Rosh Chodesh Adar Aleph

Today is the New Moon for Adar 1 or Rosh Chodesh Adar Aleph (aleph is the first letter of the alphabet and represents number 1 in Hebrew). This year there are 2 Adars because it is a Jewish leap year (the Jewish leap year does not always coincide with the Gregorian leap year, though this year it does).

[the image was created from Jewish Heritage Online Magazine where you will find great information on adar and all the wonderful things that are part of this month.] >>>>

Here's a short, interesting article: What is the New Moon?

And a little excerpt from the above:

"For believers, the celebration of the new moons carries great significance. Not only are they calendar events, but also the cycle of the moons speaks to the new birth and recreation which is ours in Messiah. Just as the moon is born again, we are renewed in Messiah. It is the festival of the born again."

Scripture references:
"The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down." (Psalm 104:19)

"'it shall be from new moon to new moon and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all mankind will come to bow down before Me,' says the LORD." (Isaiah 66:23)

The New Moon in the Hebrew Bible

Rosh Chodesh Blessing
May it be Thy will, LORD, our God and God of our fathers, that You begin for us this month for good and for blessing. May You give to us long life, a life of peace, a life of goodness, a life of blessing, a life of sustenance, a life of physical health, a life in which there is fear of heaven and fear of sin, a life in which there is no shame or humiliation; a life of wealth and honor, a life in which we love Torah and fear God; a life in which the LORD fulfills the requests of our hearts for good. Amen. Selah.

Rosh Chodesh Blessing

Chodesh Tov!