Rosh Hodesh Iyar: April-May

The first of each Jewish month—the celebration of the new moon, its slender crescent barely visible in the night sky—is a day historically associated with women’s renewal and celebration. In recent decades, Rosh Hodesh has become an occasion for Jewish women to gather for learning, ritual, and spiritual exploration, and to mark life passages. Rosh Hodesh groups, meeting monthly, offer a women’s space in time. (Some men’s gatherings have begun as well, sometimes associated with kiddush levanah, celebrating the coming full moon.)

 

Latest Rituals

“If we remember the daily count / will new paths open in the heavens?”
woman in profile standing on sand dune in the desert

Audio/video shiviti meditation chant

Miriam’s Moon: A Shiviti Meditation

New moon meditation

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Special Amidah for Iyyar, the month of healing

An Amidah for Healing

“The new moon is a new universe for women”

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“When the seasons change, your mind’s eye opens”

A Kavannah for Iyar

A song for the new moon

A Sliver in the Sky: A Song for Rosh Hodesh

Responsive readings and group activities for Iyar, mentioning Rosh Chodesh, manna, and Iyar’s holidays

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A summary of facts, characters, and holidays related to the month of Iyar

Essence of Iyar

The Reconstructionist Network

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