Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh (the new month) is celebrated for either one or two days. Before the calendar was set, this was determined by whether the new moon was seen on the 30th of the month. The Torah instituted that each new month be commemorated with a sacrifice. While no animals are currently sacrificed, many mark Rosh Chodesh with extra singing and prayers, including Hallel, Torah reading, and a haftarah. In some communities, women gather together and refrain from work in honor of the womens' refusal to contribute to the making of the golden calf.