Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh is the day on which the moon is renewed, and it marks the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar. In Temple times, the month was sanctified based on witnesses who saw the new moon, and a special Musaf offering was brought. The importance of Rosh Chodesh is great, and it is called in the Torah the heads of your months.

In Jewish tradition, Rosh Chodesh is considered a semi-festive day, with special customs. Women customarily did not work on Rosh Chodesh, and some are particular about a festive meal. Additionally, Rosh Chodesh is considered a day of atonement, and it has special prayers.

• Tachanun is not recited on Rosh Chodesh.
• Adding Ya'aleh VeYavo to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals.
• Reciting Hallel (half Hallel) — on certain Rosh Chodesh days.
• Musaf service — an additional prayer in memory of the Musaf offering.
• Women customarily did not work.
• Festive meal — some enhance the meal.

Rosh Chodesh is not a festival, and there is no prohibition of labor. Tachanun is not recited, and Ya'aleh VeYavo is added to the prayer. Hallel is recited (on certain Rosh Chodesh days), and Musaf is prayed. Women customarily did not work on Rosh Chodesh, and this is a custom rather than a strict obligation.

On Rosh Chodesh, Ya'aleh VeYavo is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals. Hallel (half Hallel) is recited, and Musaf is prayed. Tachanun is not recited. On the Sabbath before Rosh Chodesh, the new month is blessed (Birkat HaChodesh) and the time of the month's sanctification is announced.