Rosh Hodesh means in Hebrew: " Head (i.e. " commencement" , cf to go at the head) of the mois". It is thus the first day of each month which comprises the Hebraic calendar.

Definition

This one being based on the lunar cycle , the beginning of the month corresponds to the Néoménie (the new moon), which however differs from the astronomical new moon : the new moon of the Hebraic calendar is not defined by the night when only the lunar shade is visible but by an emanating net of light of the moon. There is in practice 1 to 2 days of shift between the two.

One announces at the time of Shabbat Rosh Hodesh (Shabbat preceding the néoménie) it (S) day (S) where it will fall, as well as the date and the hour to which the new moon will be visible above Jerusalem.
Lorsque Rosh Hodesh falls Shabbat, one announces it at the time of preceding Shabbat.
L' announces is done just after the reading of the Torah, and is accompanied by a short blessing for the month to come.

Observances

Although Rosh Hodesh does not form part of Jewish holidays, one celebrates it by a prayer of praises ( " Hallel " ), at least in the orthodoxe synagogs. When the néoménie falls a Shabbat or the next day, certain months a particular Haftara is read.
En week, one leaves the rollers the Torah, and one reads a section afférant with the néoménie.

It is moreover usual to wear new clothing in Rosh Hodesh, in order to celebrate the character of revival of this day.

Origins of Rosh Hodesh

Exodus 12:1 - 2: " And the Lord spoke in Moïse and Aaron out of ground about Egypt, in these terms: 'This month will be for you the beginning of the months; it will be for you the first month of the année".

It was issued from there that the Jews themselves should start to count the months instead of God. Since, a group of Rabbis of the Sanhédrin accepted that two witnesses at least attest if they had or not seen the néoménie. However, although two witnesses were necessary to declare that the new month had started, others could come to testify, the goal being not to discourage anybody.

One day or two?

So after 29 days, there were no witnesses (or that it was not granted to them of credit, because they were contradicted), the 30ème day was declared Rosh Hodesh, making of this month one month " plein" (in opposition to one month " défectif" 29 days ).
One also added a 30ème day so that the celebrations do not fall at an undue time. (For example, Hoshanna Rabba cannot fall one Saturday, because the transport of four spices cannot be carried out a Shabbat).

A celebration for the women

According to the tradition, Rosh Hodesh is one day of celebration for the femmes.
Ainsi, the treated Meguila teaches us that the women are free of the labor with Rosh Hodesh.
Commentant this passage, Rachi explains why these activities are: the seam, the detergent and sharpening, women having achieved these tasks with good of strength during the construction of the Gate vault.

We learn moreover, in chapter 45 of Pirke DeRabbi Eliezer, that at the time of the fault of the Golden calf, the women refused to leave their earrings to the men who built the idol, reason for which God granted one day off additional to them in each month.

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