What is the significance of Rosh Chodesh?
Rosh Chodesh – Hebrew for “head of the month” – is the monthly holiday that celebrates the arrival of the new moon, marking the start of a new month in the Jewish calendar. Because each lunar month is 29.5 days, the Jewish calendar “splits the difference”: some months are 29 days and others 30.
What is my Haftarah?
The haftarah or (in Ashkenazic pronunciation) haftorah (alt. haphtara, Hebrew: הפטרה) “parting,” “taking leave”, (plural form: haftarot or haftoros) is a series of selections from the books of Nevi’im (“Prophets”) of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) that is publicly read in synagogue as part of Jewish religious practice.
How long is a Havdalah bar mitzvah?
Generally, Havdalah shouldn’t be performed until nightfall on a Saturday evening with “nightfall” averaging around 45 minutes to an hour after sundown. Many families prefer a Havdalah mitzvah for a host of reasons having to do with observance, convenience and exclusivity.
How do we celebrate Rosh Chodesh?
There is no one way to celebrate Rosh Chodesh and there are no rules for establishing a Rosh Chodesh group. At the core, it should be comprised of women who gather on a monthly basis to celebrate the new month and their lives as Jewish women.
Is the Torah read on Rosh Chodesh?
When Rosh Chodesh falls on a weekday, Numbers 28:1–15 is read.
What is maftir and Haftarah?
Maftir (Hebrew: מפטיר, “concluder”) is the last person called up to the Torah on Shabbat and holiday mornings: this person also reads the haftarah portion from a related section of the Nevi’im (prophetic books). On Jewish holidays and certain special Shabbatot there are readings from two or more Torah scrolls.
Which Haftarah is the longest?
The song of the sea is sometimes known as the Shirah (song) in some western Jewish synagogues. The haftarah for Beshalach tells the story of Deborah. At 52 verses, it is the longest haftarah.
Why are bar mitzvahs on Saturdays?
The Bar Mitzvah is to the Jews as Confirmation is to several Christian denominations. It occurs when a Jewish boy turns thirteen, and it takes place on the first Saturday after that birthday. The Bar Mitzvah, meaning “son of the commandment,” is used to denote both the ceremony itself as well as the celebrant.
What is the Havdalah ceremony?
When Shabbat comes to an end on Saturday evening, a Havdalah ceremony is held to mark the occasion. A blessing is said over wine, a symbol of joy, then over sweet spices, to comfort the soul at the loss of Shabbat. Finally a multi-wicked candle is lit to show that Shabbat has ended and that fire may be created again.