Shavua Tov Rosh Hodesh

FROM SARAH REBECCA, LEAH AND RACHEL

TO YOU

ROSH HODESH – RESPECT FOR WOMEN

Rosh Hodesh, the Head of the Month, is a holiday which honors women who proved themselves faithful to God at the time of the Golden Calf.  According to the Talmud (tractate Megillah 22b), women are exempt from work on Rosh Chodesh.  The midrash (Pirke d’Rabbi Eliezer) explains that when Aaron told all of the people to “Break off the golden rings” (Exodus 32:2) the women refused.  They told their husbands, “You desire to make a graven image that has no power to deliver!”  God rewarded them with a holiday of their own – Rosh Hodesh.  Hebrew months are either 29 – 30 days long, following a Lunar cycle.  Upcoming dates include: January 20 starting the month of Shevat, February 19 starting Adar, March 20 starting Nisan, and April 19 starting Iyar.

This is a time for the men to take over some of the household tasks and to pamper the women of the household.  Cooking and cleaning are certainly in order, but you can certainly think of other ways to let the women in your life know they are beloved. 

Many communities have created Rosh Hodesh groups so women can gather for their own observance.  Etz Hayim has such a group and you can learn the details of when they meet from Joan Vick.  Also, a national organization has developed “Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl’s Thing” which is a values-based, experiential program for young women that strengthens Jewish identity and self-esteem.  Check it out at http://www.roshhodesh.org/