During our Shabbaton weekend with Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador, she referenced a Rosh Chodesh circle that she has been hosting with Pardes Hannah over the last few years. Rosh Chodesh is a Jewish practice that was not part of my upbringing so I thought I’d do a little research and share it with you!
What is Rosh Chodesh?
Rosh Chodesh is translated as ‘Head of the Month.’ It is an ancient holiday that originated in Exodus marked by the appearance of the New Moon. The holiday was practiced before a formalized calendar was established by confirming the new moon each month. Once a monthly calendar was created, Rosh Chodesh was observed on the Saturday before the new moon by reciting the Birkat Hakodesh after the Saturday morning Torah reading. Some also add extra Rosh Chodesh prayers to the Amidah, Kaddish, and morning prayers.
Feminist History of Rosh Chodesh
Historically women were able to abstain from physical work on Rosh Chodesh. Some believe this was because women refused to give their Jewelry for the formation of the golden calf. Others believe the waning and waxing moon hold significance for a women’s menstrual cycle and the Rosh Chodesh observance is tied to this. In the early 70s groups of women began starting a new kind of Rosh Chodesh circle. In Peninah Adelman’s Miriam’s Well: Rituals for Jewish Women Around the Year, she offers program ideas for groups who wish to build on the Rosh Chodesh tradition as a time for community building and bonding for Jewish women. Most Rosh Chodesh circle’s organize around mutual interest and ritual practice. Exploring and redefining the relationship between the feminine, the moon, and sisterhood has been a foundation for a myriad of Rosh Chodesh women’s groups over the last few decades.
Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador’s Rosh Chodesh Circle
Rabbi Gabrielle Pescador began a Rosh Chodesh circle through Pardes Hannah while she was studying for her Rabbinic program. Her circles focus around a central theme or teaching connected to the Torah portion for that week. Rabbi Gabrielle is interested exploring Rosh Chodesh as an opportunity to practice Torah reading for our community and deepening our Torah practice. If you are interested in exploring Rosh Chodesh with Rabbi Gabrielle, stay tuned for her upcoming Rosh Chodesh offerings!
