Jewish 101: Rosh Chodesh
What Is Rosh Chodesh?
Rosh Chodesh, meaning "head of the month," marks the beginning of each new month on the Jewish calendar. It is based on the lunar cycle, with each new month beginning at the first visible sliver of the new moon. This practice is rooted in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron to begin counting months from the time of the Exodus.
Declaring the New Month
In ancient Israel, the new moon was confirmed by witnesses who saw it and reported to the Sanhedrin. Once confirmed, the new month was declared, and messengers were sent to notify surrounding communities. This ensured that the appointed times, the moadim, such as Passover or Sukkot, could be observed on the correct day.
A Minor Holiday
Rosh Chodesh is considered a minor holiday. Psalm 81 refers to it as a day of blowing the shofar, and in the temple it was marked by additional offerings and celebration.
Today it is observed with special prayers in the synagogue and a Torah reading. Some communities also recite Birkat HaChodesh, a blessing for the new month, on the Shabbat beforehand as a way to prepare.
Rosh Chodesh and the Early Believers
While the observance of Rosh Chodesh is not described directly in the New Testament, the early believers lived by the biblical calendar and would have recognized its importance. The rhythm of the months structured their worship, travel, and observance of the feasts.
Rosh Chodesh reminds us that each new month begins not with a clock, but with a sky, calling us to pause, look up, and realign with the rhythm God set in motion from the beginning.
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Samuel Bambach
Netivyah Staff
Samuel is our Content Manager, teaching Bible studies and young adult gatherings. He studied Nursing and Biblical context & languages. He loves nature, traveling, board games, and studying Scripture. Samuel lives in Jerusalem with his wife and children.
Glossary
Rosh Chodesh (רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ) means “head of the month” and refers to the beginning of a new Hebrew month, traditionally marked by special prayers, Scripture readings, and thanksgiving to God.
Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) refers to the seventh day, the Sabbath, set apart by God as a holy day of rest, worship, and delight (see Genesis 2:1-3).
A shofar (שופר) is a ram's horn, blown on Rosh Hashanah and other important occasions.
Sukkot (סֻכּוֹת) means “booths” or “tabernacles” and refers to the biblical festival remembering Israel’s wilderness journey and God’s faithful presence and provision.
Synagogue (beit knesset בֵּית כְּנֶסֶת) is a Jewish place of prayer, study, and community gathering.
Torah (תּוֹרָה) means “instruction” or “teaching” and often refers especially to the Five Books of Moses. Psalm 119:1 reminds us that those who walk in God's Torah are blessed.
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