Charity on Rosh Chodesh: Honoring the New Month with Giving

What Does the Moon Have to do With Rosh Chodesh

While the United States uses the Gregorian calendar, which follows a solar cycle, Judaism relies on the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar, meaning it is based on the cycles of both the moon and the sun. This calendar determines the timing of Jewish holidays, observances, and significant dates, such as Rosh Chodesh, which aligns with the lunar cycle.  

Rosh Chodesh has roots in the Torah, where the first commandment given to the Israelites as a people was to establish a lunar calendar, signifying the start of each month. The reason for this is because knowing how to track time connects people with G-d and the spiritual power of holidays. In ancient times, witnesses would observe the new moon and report to a court, which would officially declare the start of a new month. Today, the Jewish calendar is set in advance, but the tradition of observing the new moon remains.

Observing Rosh Chodesh

At the end of 30-day months, Rosh Chodesh is observed over two days:

• the 30th day of the previous month
• the 1st day of the new month
  
  

For months with only 29 days, Rosh Chodesh is observed solely on the 1st day of the new month. It is generally considered a minor holiday in the Jewish Faith, marked by the addition of special prayers, including a partial Hallel, musaf, and Ya’aleh V’yavo added to the Amidah and Birkhat HaMazon. It is customary to wear new clothing and celebrate with a festive meal.  

Rosh Chodesh is also a day to reflect on the actions of the previous month and consider which ones require teshuva — the concept of repentance and returning to a righteous path. Teshuva is often done hand in hand with tzedakah.

The Significance of Rosh Chodesh for Women

Rosh Chodesh holds a special significance for women. One explanation for this goes back to the biblical account of the Golden Calf, when the women of Israel refrained from giving their jewelry and participating in idolatry, and were thus given Rosh Chodesh as a day where they were able to refrain from working as a recognition of their faithfulness. 

This tradition continues to this day, with women abstaining from labor-intensive household chores at the beginning of the month. This pause serves as a break from routine and offers a chance to reflect spiritually, marking Rosh Chodesh as a time of renewal and introspection, especially meaningful for women. In addition to women refraining from certain types of work, there are other activities that should be avoided on Rosh Chodesh, including fasting, and the cutting of hair and nails.

Charitable Giving on Rosh Chodesh

There is a strong correlation between holidays and giving, and according to Jewish tradition, charity is often emphasized at the start of a new month, reflecting a commitment to kindness and communal responsibility, as a fresh opportunity to help those in need. You can do this by setting aside money for important causes like food security and children’s education. You can also get involved with charity or spend time volunteering during Rosh Chodesh. 

About Colel Chabad

Colel Chabad is the oldest continuously operating Tzedakah network in Israel. It was founded by Rabbi Schneur Zalman, and his teachings, along with those of other Chabad Rebbes, continue to shape the Hasidic movement. There are many ways to donate to the work it does, including through the Colel Chabad Pushka App, which makes digital giving easy. You can also order your own tzedakah box to help you set aside money for charity. 

Your contribution, regardless of the amount, will have a significant impact on the lives of those in need.