Celebrate the New Month



The ancient Egyptians worshipped the Sun God, Ra. As told in the Book of Exodus, G-d delivered the enslaved Israelites out of Egypt under the light of the full moon on the fifteenth day of the month of Nissan.




One of the first commandments given to the Israelites was to completely break with the worship of the Sun God and establish the lunar cycle of configuring the calendar and sanctify the new lunar month. The Jewish month is, therefore, measured by the time it takes for the moon to make a complete revolution around the earth.

What is Rosh Hodesh? Rosh Hodesh is a women's monthly celebration of the Festival of the New Moon. According to Midrash, the women of Israel refused to participate in the creation of the idolatrous Golden Calf. As a result, G-d rewarded them with the holiday of Rosh Hodesh.

What are some of the elements of a Temple Shalom Rosh Hodesh gathering? Each month's gathering is a unique experience that is independent of what was discussed at previous meetings. The discussion is led by an individual or pair of volunteers for that month, under the guidance of Marlene, Chairperson. The session usually includes candle lighting, kiddish, prayer, study, song, conversation, laughter and refreshments in a spiritual, intellectual and social atmosphere. Women and girls of all ages are welcome.

Saturday afternoon meetings take place at Temple Shalom on the Saturday closest to the Rosh Hodesh at 3 pm. There is no charge to attend. Participant donations of wine, flowers, music, and refreshments are encouraged and should be coordinated with Marlene.

Sat. Date        Month            Suggested Discussion Focus
10/13/12        Cheshvan       Quiet; Without holidays; Rachel
11/17/12         Kislev             Light in darkness, Fullness from emptiness
12/15/12         Tevet              Hanukah; Rededication
01/12/13         Shevat            Plants; Herbs; The New Year for Trees
02/9/13           Adar               Purim
03/9/13           Nissan           Passover; Spring
04/13/13         Iyar                Omer; Journeying; Israel Independence Day
05/11/13         Sivan             Shavuot; Torah; Story of Ruth
06/8/13           Tammuz        Inheritance; Abandonment & Connection
07/13/13         Av                  Mourning; Destruction; Tisha B'Av
08/3/13           Elul                Preparing for the Days of Awe
No meeting     Tishrei           Rosh Hashanah; Renewal of Torah Cycle

Hodesh Tov!