Tuesday, January 8th, is Rosh Chodesh Shevat.
Please remember to add, beginning Monday night in
Maariv, Yaale v'Yavo in your Amidah and to
mention
Rosh Chodesh when you bentch after eating.
Rosh Chodesh literally means
the head of the month, but the word 'Chodesh' comes from the root 'chadash'
meaning new.
Monday night and Tuesday is the first and only Rosh Chodesh
("Head of the Month") day for the month of Shevat.
Special portions are added to the daily prayers:
Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is recited -- in its "partial" form -- following the
Shacharit Amidah prayer, also the Yaaleh V'yavo
prayer is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals; the additional Musaf
prayer is said (when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat, special additions are made to the
Shabbat Musaf). Tachnun (confession of sins) and
similar prayers are omitted.
Many have the custom to mark Rosh Chodesh
with a festive meal and reduced work activity. The latter custom is prevalent
amongst women, who have a special affinity with Rosh Chodesh -- the month being
the feminine aspect of the Jewish Calendar.
Shevat is a 1 day Rosh
Chodesh.
With blessings for a meaningful month of Shevat,
Rabbi Shmuel
Veffer
Kosher Innovations