עברית
Embracing the New Month: A Jewish Tradition
As the first mitzvah given to the Israelites upon their redemption from Egypt, the sanctification of the new month holds deep significance, influencing all the Jewish holidays.
1. The Shabbat preceding the new month is known as 'Shabbat Mevorchim,' during which the date of the upcoming month is announced.
2. 'Shabbat Mevorchim' lives up to its name: prayers are said for success in the coming month, as well as blessings for the new month.
3. The announcement of the month's date and associated prayers are called 'Birkat HaChodesh.' 'Birkat HaChodesh' is recited after the Torah reading and before the Musaf prayer.
4. This announcement is made specifically on Shabbat because that is when everyone gathers in synagogues, allowing even those who don't attend regularly to partake.
5. This also helps everyone properly organize their prayers according to the law, and women will know to refrain from work that they traditionally avoid on that day, ensuring all are aware of the new month's date.
6. Furthermore, 'Birkat HaChodesh' serves as a reminder of the sanctification of the month that the Sanhedrin performed each month, as witnesses would come to testify that they saw the new moon.
7. Given that the mitzvah of sanctifying the new month was the first commandment given to the Israelites upon their redemption, and since all holidays hinge upon it, the Sanhedrin performed this mitzvah with great emotion, gratitude, and blessing.
8. It is customary not to bless the month of Tishrei, as everyone already knows when Rosh Hashanah occurs, and also to prevent the Satan from knowing the day of judgment and potentially posing a challenge.
9. Hence, blessings are recited only eleven times a year, or twelve times in a leap year.
10. The blessing of the month is recited while standing, just as the sanctification of the month is performed standing.
