Ata Yatzarta – An Unusual Beracha

In honor of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh…

In honor of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh…

Working Thoroughly – and Naturally – Like an Ox

G-d's Daily Renewed Love's for Israel

Kiddush Levanah

Can I be mekadeish the levanah when there is just a slight cloud cover? Am I permitted to be mekadeish the levanah either before it gets fully dark or during the post-dawn, pre-sunrise morning hours? Did the Rif not write on this topic? Why not?

Using the Hebrew Calendar

There are some people, in Israel for the most part, who oppose the use of the Gregorian calendar in their every-day interactions, and choose to use the Jewish calendar instead. Let us delve into and explain the importance of the Jewish calendar.

18. The Proper Time for Birkat Ha-levana

Many Rishonim maintain that the time for reciting Birkat Ha-levana begins on the first day the moon is visible. Several poskim, however, posit that it is preferable to wait until the moon grows somewhat, when it is possible to benefit from its light.

17. Seeing the New Moon

We recite Birkat Ha-levana over the new moon at night, because that is when it is clearly visible and one can benefit from its light. If one recites the berakha when the moon is covered by clouds he has not fulfilled his obligation, because he cannot benefit from its light.

16. The Laws of Reciting Birkat Ha-levana Joyously

Because of the lofty idea that the moon’s renewal represents, Birkat Ha-levana has been hallowed to the point that one who recites it is viewed as if he is greeting the Shekhina (Divine Presence).

15. The Meaning of Birkat Ha-levana

In Birkat Ha-levana (the Berakha of the Moon), we thank God for creating the moon, from whose light we benefit at night.

14. Torah Reading and Musaf

In honor of Rosh Ĥodesh we call up four people to the Torah. The passage that we read first describes the daily burnt offering, followed by the special Rosh Ĥodesh offerings.

13. Customs Related to Reciting Hallel

One must stand while reciting Hallel, One should not interrupt one’s recitation of Hallel, The Sages ordained that it is proper that one recite Hallel immediately following the Amida of Shaĥarit.

12. Hallel on Rosh Hodesh

There is a widespread custom to recite Hallel on Rosh Ĥodesh. Technically there is no obligation to do so.

11. Ya’aleh Ve-yavo in Birkat Ha-mazon

One must recite Ya’aleh Ve-yavo in Birkat Ha-mazon as well. Even though one is not obligated to eat a festive meal on Rosh Ĥodesh, one must mention Rosh Ĥodesh when reciting Birkat Ha-mazon because of the importance of the day, on which the musaf offering was brought.

10. Ya’aleh Ve-yavo in the Amida

The unique nature of Rosh Ĥodesh must find expression in our prayers. Therefore, the Sages prescribed that we recite the Ya’aleh Ve-yavo prayer, in which we beseech God to remember us for good on Rosh Ĥodesh.

9. Yom Kippur Katan: A Time of Atonement

Rosh Ĥodesh is a time of atonement. In order to make this atonement complete, pious Jews customarily repent in for the time leading up to Rosh Ĥodesh. Some people fast on the day before Rosh Ĥodesh and recite special Yom Kippur Katan prayers prior to the Minĥa service.

8. Shabbat Mevarkhim

On the Shabbat preceding Rosh Ĥodesh (known as Shabbat Mevarkhim), it is customary to announce when Rosh Ĥodesh will take place and recite Birkat Ha-ĥodesh (“blessing the new month”), a prayer that God “renew this month for us and for all His people, the house of Israel, for good and blessing.”

7. The Custom for Women to Refrain from Working on Rosh Hodesh

One may work on Rosh Ĥodesh. Ideally, though, one should not do so, as is the law on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed. The rule is that the holier the day, the more it is designated for holy endeavors, and the more one should limit his involvement in work.

5. The Status of Rosh Hodesh in the Torah

The Torah lists Rosh Ĥodesh together with all the other festivals on which we bring Musafim (additional offerings) in honor of the day’s sanctity.

6. Festive Meals on Rosh Hodesh and the Prohibition to Fast or Grieve

Rosh Hodesh is one of the holidays on which it is appropriate to rejoice. However, there is no explicit commandment to rejoice on Rosh Ĥodesh by conducting festive meals.

4. Rosh Hodesh – One Day or Two?

When a month is incomplete (29 days), the following Rosh Ĥodesh is observed for one day. When it is full (thirty days), the following Rosh Ĥodesh lasts two days: the thirtieth day of the previous month and the first day of the next month.