Rosh Chodesh: Ordinances of the Moon 

     Rosh Chodesh means “the beginning of [literally, the head of] the new month”. It is calculated by the observation of the first visible crescent of the New Moon phase, after sunset. Our common calendar, based upon the Roman calendar, is solar; the Scriptural calendar is lunar, however.
     “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven…for signs and seasons, and for days and years.” [Genesis 1:14 KJV] The word that is translated as “seasons” in the King James edition of Genesis 1:14,
is moed or moedim.  Moed means “appointed times”, and is the same word that is translated as “feast” and “feasts” in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus. The Genesis phrase is translated: “let them indicate festivals, days and years” in the New Jerusalem Bible.
     On the fourth day of creation, Elohim made the sun and moon, to provide light, and to provide signs to enable people to observe the “appointed times”. The moon and sun were designated to be our guides for determining the timing of sacred festivals that we call holy days, feasts, and sabbaths.

To Mark the Times

     Elohim instructed the Elect to watch and celebrate the moon phases. “He appointed the moon for seasons.” [Psalm 104:19] "Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon…” [Jeremiah 31:35] An ordinance is a ceremony or ritual. We are instructed to “Blow the trumpet [shofar] in the new moon, in the time appointed…” [Psalm 81:3]  In the latter days and during the Millennium, the People of the Covenant will still observe the new moons. “From New Moon to New Moon, from Sabbath to Sabbath, all humanity will come and bow in My presence, Yahweh says.” [Isaiah 66:23]
     “And then [Elohim created] the moon, ever punctual, to mark the times, as an everlasting sign. It is the moon that signals the feasts, a luminary that wanes after being full. The month derives its name from hers; she waxes wonderfully in her phases – banner of the hosts on high, shining in the vault of heaven.”
[Ecclesiasticus 43:6-8]  In Hebrew, the moon is feminine; the Hebrew words for moon, yareach and levanah, are both feminine in gender.
     The darkness of the new moon begins the month. This is comparable to how darkness precedes light within important Scripture passages. The Sabbath begins with darkness, after the setting of the sun. The chaotic darkness was dispelled by light during the creation. [Genesis 1:2-3] Our temporal lives begin within the darkness of our mother’s body. And the end-time Day of Yahweh will begin with darkness. [Amos 5:18-20]
     All of the Covenant People should become aware of the cycles of the moon, because its phases determine the timing of the appointed holy days. The celebration of Rosh Chodesh, however, has been particularly meaningful to the women of the covenant. According to Jewish tradition, the ceremonies of Rosh Chodesh were given predominantly to women. In fact, men did not participate in all of the ceremonies. Some women did [and still do] observe it as a Sabbath. [Amos 4:5] The word ‘menstruation’ comes from the Greek word menus, which means ‘moon’ and ‘power’, and is based upon the word men that means ‘month’. The Greek word noumenia means ‘new moon’, and applied to the time of the first visible crescent of the new moon. [Strong’s 3561] It is fitting to identify more closely with Eloah [the Divine Feminine aspect of Elohim] during our observance of “the ordinances of the moon”.
     In addition to observing the ceremonies and rites of Rosh Chodesh, it was also considered to be an especially auspicious time to seek out dialogue with the prophet. [2 Kings 4:22-23] And it was customary for the king to hold a feast on this day. [1 Samuel 20:5-24]

Including Prayers to Eloah

     Careful study of the Hebrew Scriptures discloses the mystery of Eloah – the Feminine within the Divine. She is the Heavenly Mother, also known as [El] Shaddai, Wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. Scripture provides direction that it is quite appropriate to pray to Eloah.
     “My desire is that Shaddai would answer me.” [Job 31:35] “Oh that I might have my request, and that [Eloah] would grant me the thing that I long for!” [Job 6:8] “He will pray to [Eloah] who has restored him to favor.” [Job 33:26]  “I shall say to [Eloah], ‘Do not condemn me; tell me what Your case is against me.” [Job 10:2] My friends scorn me, and my eyes pour out tears unto [Eloah]. [Job 16:20] “I want to speak to [Shaddai]; I wish to argue my case in front of [El].” [Job 13:3] “Seek [El], and plead with Shaddai.”
[Job 8:5] “[The Wicked say] ‘What is the point of serving Shaddai? What shall we gain from praying to [Her]?’” [Job 21:15]  “Then Shaddai will be all your delight, and you shall lift your face to [Eloah]. You will pray and [She] will hear.” [Job 22:26-27]  “I am one who calls on [Eloah] and expects an answer.” [Job 12:4]

Ceremonies, Rituals and Customs

     The word of Yahweh plainly guides us in one of the ceremonies to be performed on Rosh Chodesh. “Also at your…new moon festivals, you are to sound the shofar…. [Numbers 10:10] As mentioned above, Psalm 81:3 also instructs the People of the Covenant to: “Blow the trumpet [shofar] in the new moon, in the time appointed…” [Psalm 81:3] So, one of the observances of Rosh Chodesh is the sounding of the shofar. Every individual is not expected to blow the shofar; the leader of the greater or smaller assembly should sound the shofar. In times of old, the priesthood members, or head(s) of the community or family officiated by announcing the new moon, and sounding the shofar. Before the Atonement of Messiah, the priests presided over offerings. But through the many centuries, down to the present day, women have the main role in Rosh Chodesh. In fact, although all the People of the Covenant mark the New Moon, and the male leader may be appointed to announce it and blow the shofar, the ceremony and observance of the day as a sort of sabbath, has been set apart specifically for the Women of the Covenant.
     Beyond the explicit commandment to sound the shofar, there are no specific instructions for the observance of Rosh Chodesh. There are generations of Hebrew traditions, but there is no exact ceremony that must be followed. Individuals, families, Rosh Chodesh groups, and congregations are at liberty to create a ritual that is meaningful to them. Prayers and reflective contemplation should always be part of the observance of the New Moon. Reading from Scripture, sharing testimonies, singing, teaching, discussion, anointing, etc., may also be included. What is of paramount importance is that whichever customs, ceremonies or rituals are observed need to be meaningful to those involved. The following are some customs, traditions, and suggestions for inclusion in Rosh Chodesh.
     Rosh Chodesh is not a Sacrament that is exclusively for the People of the Covenant; anyone may be invited to attend and participate in the ceremony. It is, however, a spiritual ceremony, which means it is not to be taken lightly, and should not be disrupted by unruly children or by any person who would rather not be present.
     The New Moon was a time to be observed. There are various way in which people determine the new moon, including the astronomical ‘conjunction’ [which occurs at noon]. From the beginning, mankind has observed the new moon in a simple way, just as we have observed the setting sun to mark the beginning of Sabbath. Since ancient times, the Israelites, Babylonians, Egyptians, Sumerians, Greeks and others, considered the new moon to be the first visible crescent – the first sign of unveiling the moon – of her new birth. Modern astronomical calculations specific to latitude and longitude help us know when to expect the first visible crescent. The first crescent is almost always visible on the first night after the new moon date that is given on a secular calendar.
     In times of old, the Israelites lit bonfires on hilltops to signal the sighting of New Moon. As one group saw the fire, they would light their own, and, in turn, the announcement spread from place to place.
     For many centuries, there has bee a tradition of  lighting lamps or candles as part of the Rosh Chodesh ceremony. We may think of the Light of the world, and also of our own spiritual light, as we light one or more regular candles, an ornate candle, or oil lamp(s). Just as the bonfire’s light was passed from one community to another, some find meaning in each participant holding her own candle and passing the flame from one person’s candle to another’s, or sharing in the lighting of candles.
     It is also customary that a prayer be offered over a cup or glasses of wine following the candle lighting.
     As with the weekly Shabbat, the wine is to be shared by all those attending [including guests], and need not be limited to those who are members of the Covenant community. “Drink your wine with a glad
heart, because God has accepted your works.” [Ecclesiastes 9:7] “A meal is made for laughter, and wine makes us cheerful.”  [Ecclesiastes 10:19]
     During Rosh Chodesh it is customary to turn our thoughts to the Women of the Covenant who went before us. Heroic, strong spiritual women whose names we know from the Old Testament, such as Sarah, Rachel, Deborah, Huldah, Esther, Rahab, Naomi and Ruth. And the women named in the Nephite Record, Sariah and Abish. Also the several women mentioned in the New Testament, including Mother Mary, Mary the Magdalene, Martha, Priscilla and Phebe, Lydia, Chloe, Lois, Claudia, Junia and Nympha. And also we remember the many unnamed Women of the Covenant – the millions of mothers, wives and single women whose names were not recorded in Scripture, such as Noah’s wife, the wives of the prophets and apostles, and the mothers who taught the 2000 stripling warriors to have unquestioning faith. We also consider those women of old who faithfully served Elohim and their congregations as prophetesses and deaconesses. In our hearts we honor the supportive, loving and spiritual women who were our own ancestors.
     Those who are parents may think of and pray for their daughters and granddaughters [including those yet unborn], and the women who will be the spiritual heroines of the future.
     It is appropriate, of course, for the participants to learn the Hebrew name of each month. It may also be fitting to become familiar with the mazzaroth [constellations] associated with the month. Participants should find out what [if any] holy days occur during the new month that is beginning.
     Rosh Chodesh ceremonies may be held in whatever setting that is appropriate – in one’s own home, in a dormitory, at the synagogue / house of prayer, indoors or outside. It is a ceremony, like Shabbat, to which people may feel at liberty to invite friends.  
     It is very appropriate for each person to feel as though she or he is participating – not merely attending.
This may be accomplished in simple ways, such as by each person helping to light a candle, wearing a tallit or scarf [particularly for the woman leading the ceremony, but also others who are so inclined],
sharing the wine, or joining together in singing. It is good to take turns with who offers the prayers, reads the Scriptures, or leads a discussion, for example.
     As we contemplate Rosh Chodesh, we are reminded of the ways in which we are like the moon. All of us pass through cycles in life, waxing and waning with the passage of time. We can ponder the stages of life, going from newborn to aged. We ponder that, as the moon reflects the light of the sun, the Covenant People [the Bride] are called to reflect the Light of God. Women may contemplate their menstrual cycles, and how their womb goes through monthly changes. We might all think of the cycles in our lives in which we are more or less receptive to the Word, and cycles in which we are more or less interested in fellowship with the Almighty.

Scripture Readings

     There are several Scriptures that are very appropriate for reading and reflection during Rosh Chodesh. Obvious examples include the passages that specifically mention the new moons, such as the observance of the New Moon during the Millennium, found in Isaiah 66:23, or verses that refer to the passage of the seasons and cycles of life. Scriptures that include the acts of the spiritual women of old
provide devotional reading and stories upon which to ponder.
     As well as those, we also meditate on verses about Eloah, often known as Wisdom. “Wisdom [Sophia or Hochmah] speaks Her own praises in the midst of Her people She glories in Herself. She opens Her mouth in the assembly of the Most High [El Elyon]; She glories Herself in the presence of the Mighty One [Abi’ir]: I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and I covered the earth like mist. I had My tabernacle in the heights, and My throne was a pillar of cloud. Alone I have made the circuit of the heavens, and walked through the depths of the abyss. Over the waves of the sea and over the whole earth, and over every people and nation I have held sway. Among all these I searched for rest, and looked to see in whose territory I might pitch camp. Then the Creator of all things instructed Me, and He who created Me fixed a place for My tent. He said, ‘Pitch your tent in Jacob; make Israel Your inheritance.’ From eternity, in the beginning, He created Me, and for eternity I shall remain. In the holy tabernacle I ministered before Him, and thus became established in Zion. [Ecclesiasticus 24:1-10]
   “And so I prayed…I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I esteemed Her more than scepters and thrones; compared with Her, I held riches as nothing. I reckoned no precious stone to be Her equal, for compared with Her all gold is a pinch of sand, and beside Her, silver ranks as mud. I loved Her more than health or beauty, preferred Her to the light, since Her radiance never sleeps. In Her company all good things came to me, and at Her hands incalculable wealth. All these delighted me, since Wisdom brings them, though I did not then realize that She was their Mother…” [Wisdom of Solomon 7:7-12]
     “And now I understand everything, hidden or visible, for Wisdom, the designer of all things, has instructed me. For within Her is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, incisive, unsullied, lucid, invulnerable, benevolent, shrewd, irresistible, beneficent, friendly to human beings, steadfast, dependable, unperturbed, almighty, all-surveying, penetrating, all-intelligent, pure and most subtle spirits. For Wisdom is quicker to move than any motion; She is so pure, She pervades and permeates all things. She is a breath [ruach] of the power of God [Elohim], pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty [Shaddai]; so nothing impure can find its way into Her. For She is a reflection of the eternal light, untarnished mirror of God’s active power, and image of His goodness.” [Wisdom of Solomon 7:21-26]
     “Although She is alone [only one power, but] She can do everything. Herself unchanging, She renews the world, and, generation after generation, passing into holy souls, She makes them into God’s friends and prophets; for God loves only those who dwell with Wisdom. She is indeed more splendid than the sun; She outshines all the constellations. Compared with light, She takes first place; for light must yield to night, but against Wisdom, evil cannot prevail. Strongly She reaches from one end of the world to the other and She governs the whole world for its good.” [Wisdom of Solomon 7:27-30]
     Solomon prayed to Yahweh regarding Wisdom. “With You is Wisdom; She Who knows your works, She Who was present when You made the world. She understands what is pleasing in Your eyes, and what agrees with Your commandments. Dispatch Her from the holy heavens, send Her forth from Your throne of glory to help me and toil with me, and teach me what is pleasing to You. Because She knows and understands everything, She will guide me prudently in my actions, and will protect me with Her glory.” [Wisdom 9:9-11]

David Bruce Clark
Lion of God Ministries
PO Box 33  Oak Grove MO 64075
www.lionofgod.com