Rosh Chodesh meeting information

Rosh Chodesh, the monthly holiday marking the new moon, has traditionally been identified with women through midrash and folk belief. Stories circulated about the special right of Jewish women to observe this holiday in recognition of their noble behavior when the Golden Calf was erected and worshipped. (Excerpt from Miriam's Well by Penina V. Adelman)

Psalm 137 says, "As a reward (for the women's refusal to participate in the making of the Golden Calf), God gave the new moons as holidays to women, and in the future world too they will be rewarded for their firm faith in God, in that, like the new moons, they, too, may monthly be rejuvenated."

At Beth Israel, we mark Rosh Chodesh with special prayers and blessings, and a group of women gather for food and conversation. For the past 25 years, our group traditionally met in each other's homes, bringing a potluck lunch, and sharing teachings based on the Torah, current holiday, or something of interest to women in our time. Due to the pandemic, we met on Zoom, and in the nice weather, gathered outside at Beth Israel.

Rosh Chodesh is open to all women in the Beth Israel community. Bring a chair and your lunch and meet in the garden at the back of the parking lot. In case of inclement weather, we will meet inside, socially distant, but still vibrant in our conversation and camaraderie. If you have any questions, contact us for more information. We look forward to seeing you!