Jewish Holidays

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.

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.

The Sages of Eretz Yisrael retained the authority to sanctify months and intercalate years, as it says, “For Torah shall come forth from Zion”.

A historical application of a word found in this week's Parshat Beha'alotkha in Jewish communities throughout the world, showing how it clearly also applies to celebrating Yom Ha'Atzma'ut in our time.

A new month does not automatically begin when the moon reappears. Rather, the beit din sanctifies the month, as it says, “This month shall mark for you”.

Read the laws of Rosh Ĥodesh from "Peninei Halakha"

Our parasha deals with the lot of those who lost the opportunity to offer the Korban Pesach on time. The Torah describes these people as having been impure due to “nefesh adam”. Hashem’s solution was that these people should offer the Korban Pesach a month later.

Of all the holidays of the Jewish calendar year, Shavuot is the shortest – celebrated only for one day. Many times, this holiday somehow leaves people feeling unfulfilled by what they had hoped to be a spiritual and joyful experience.