Introduction

Rosh Chodesh means the head or beginning of the new Moon. It usually falls on the first day of every Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh marks the celebration of the lunar month. The commandment to observe Rosh Chodesh was first given to Israel before leaving Egypt.

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,"This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. [Exodus 12:1-2]

God gave Israel the duty to create a Hebrew Biblical Calendar based on the Moon. He wanted the Jewish people to deviate from the Egyptians' solar-based traditions and count time in a new way.

What is a New Moon?

A New Moon is the opposite of a full Moon. It takes the Moon about 29.5 days to revolve around the Earth. The Moon goes through various phases known as the lunation cycle. The Moon starts as a New Moon during each cycle, meaning it's not visibly illuminated. After being partially illuminated, it becomes a Waxing Crescent. Subsequent illumination of the Waxing Crescent gives the Moon a bright glowing appearance called a Full Moon. The Full Moon returns to partial illumination called a Waning Crescent, then back to a New Moon again.

This cycle takes about 30 days, with the full Moon always taking place on the 15th of every Jewish month. The first time the waxing crescent is visible from Jerusalem indicates the beginning of the month called Rosh Chodesh (New Moon).

Twelve months make a year (Shana) with an extra month (Adar II), added every two to three years if it is a leap year. A leap year becomes necessary to merge the Lunar and Solar calendars. A Lunar year has 354 days (12 x 29.5), while a Solar year has 365 days.

The Months of the Biblical Calendar

The sequence of the twelve months of the Hebrew Calendar is as follows:

• Nisan
• Iyyar
• Sivan
• Tammuz
• Av
• Elul
• Tishri
• Cheshvan
• Kislev
• Tevet
• Shevat
• Adar I
• (Adar II – In Leap Year)

Today, the day is marked by a fixed Hebrew Calendar, which is arrived at by astronomical calculations. However, long before the fixed calendar, the Sanhedrin sent two independent observers to watch the sky at night for any sign of the new Moon. If they saw it, they reported back to the Sanhedrin, who would then interrogate them in the court. If this were confirmed, the Sanhedrin would declare the new month and send messengers to inform the people when the month began.

Significance of The New Moon

The appearance of the new Moon cannot be underestimated since all Hebrew holy days are declared after its declaration. If the Jewish people lost the appearance of Rosh Chodesh then the ability to track the appointed times for the observance of the holy days and festivals would simultaneously disappear. The Hebrew Calendar is dependent on the appearance of the new Moon.

 He made the Moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.

[Psalm 104:19]

Every Rosh Chodesh bestows us a chance to gain new energy and opportunities. The ability to rejuvenate and renew ourselves is one of the secrets of the Hebrew Calendar. The Jewish people are connected to the Moon. Unlike the sun, whose nature is unchanging, the Moon's constant changing behaviour seems to be communicating something about the Jewish people. Just like the Moon, Israel's light has waxed and waned throughout history. They have seemed small, almost to disappear only to reappear and remerge full of light and potential. The lamp of Israel has never been extinguished. Even when her light seems to be just a spark, divine providence has taught us never to count her out. Israel has emerged from darkness to light, just like the Moon.

Rosh Chodesh and the New Testament

How are we expected to perceive Rosh Chodesh in light of the New Testament in the Messianic faith?       When writing to the Colossians, the apostle Paul admonishes the brethren, "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." (Colossians 2:16-17) Paul encourages the Colossians to continue observing the appointed times despite the opposition because they celebrate the festivals.

In verse 17, Paul points out that the festivals are "a shadow of things to come", meaning they have a future implication in the plan of salvation. Isaiah the prophet, writes that Rosh Chodesh, including Shabbat will be kept in the world to come. Ezekiel also foresaw Rosh Chodesh being celebrated in the future temple. Therefore, it is paramount for the believer who wants a share in the future kingdom to observe the festival today.

"And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord." [Isaiah 66:23]

Thus says the Lord God: "The gateway of the inner court that faces toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened, and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened.[Ezekiel 45:1]

Appendix

Concerning the Biblical Hebrew Calendar, Messianic believers have to rely on Rabbinical Judaism for its faithful preservation. Today they are the living custodians of the precepts passed down from the patriarchs. Apostle Paul makes the point, "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 9:4)

The Jewish people have an advantage over the nations since they are the custodians of the Torah and the worship of God.

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.[Romans 3:1-2]