Rosh Chodesh

Hebrew “ראש חודש,” “Rosh Chodesh,” literally means “the head of the month,” new moon.

The first day of the Hebrew month. The day of the new moon or immediately after. When the new moon starts on the last day of the month, we celebrate two days of Rosh Chodesh. In such a case, the second day is always the first day of the new month.

On Rosh Chodesh, a new light appears in the world, and as the celestial element closer to earth, we are strongly affected by its position to other planets and distance from earth.

It’s a positive day, and we make more studies and spiritual connections to draw greater Light on this day. In the Holy Temple, the priest sacrificed a goat to give the other side something to get busy with while we benefit from the Light revealed on that day. It’s a good day to give Tzedakah and light candles for Tzadikim. Even if there is no hilulah of Tzadikim on that day, some have the custom to light a candle for Rabbi Meir Baal Haness to receive protection and miracles during the coming month