A Rosh Chodesh Meal, Part II

Hi,

We have said that one should have a special feast for Rosh Chodesh. This may be as simple as eating one special food, but the ideal is to have a bread-based meal in honor of the day.

(Mishneh Berurah 419:1; Shaar haTziyyun 419:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Seudat Rosh Chodesh

Hi,

There is a practice of having a special meal in honor of Rosh Chodesh, for several reasons. These reasons include:

1. The special status of Rosh Chodesh as a מועד (holiday);
2. Recognition of the national atonement achieved with the special korbanot (Temple offerings) of the day;
3. A memorial for the special feasts created in Yerushalayim in the days of the Beit haMikdash, to publicize declaration of the new month.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 419:1; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 419:1-2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Fasting on Rosh Chodesh

Hi,

Because Rosh Chodesh is a day of celebration, one may not fast on that day. Some even suggest this is biblical, based on the biblical label of Rosh Chodesh as a מועד.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 418:1; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 418:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai