Glossary

The entries selection comes from the book “Dictionary of Judaica” (2005), which was written by a group of authors led by Eva Kosáková . Entries were further processed by Jaroslav Kuntoš, Dana Veselská, Olga Sixtová, Michaela Scheibová and Lenka Uličná. The book can be purchased at our e-shop.

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Rosh Hodesh

The beginning of the month (lit. “head of the month”), which coincides with the New Moon. In ancient times, Rosh Hodesh was a feast day when sacrifices were made and work was restricted. The original nature of Rosh Hodesh was partly lost after the destruction of the Temple; these days, the changes in the synagogue liturgy are mainly what set it apart from an ordinary day – for example, the Musaf prayer is added after the morning service, as it is during the Shabbat and holidays, and a special passage from the Torah is read. Fasting is not permitted on this day.

Months in the Jewish calendar have either 29 or 30 days. If the preceding month had 30 days, Rosh Hodesh is celebrated for two days – the last day of the previous month and first day of the new one.

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