This is a Rosh HodeshThe new moon, which marks the beginning of the Jewish month. According to tradition, because women did not participate in the sin of the golden calf, they were given the holiday of Rosh Chodesh. It is customary for women not to work on Rosh Chodesh. blessing for those who start seeds during the New Moon. If you are concerned about following religious prohibitions regarding sowing seeds please see the note that follows the blessing:
May this New Moon bring a fertile darkness to sow,
Bless the possibilities of newness that germinate below.
May my work be good and true, to creation’s merit,
Bless that which grows from this work and what follows.
May this work of sowing these seeds bring forth life;
Bless me with kavannot filled with mindful intentionality.
May these seeds take root in each place they live in;
Bless me with diligence and health to tend them wholly.
May all forces of creation balance plentifully for life:
Bless these seeds with vigor befitting of their seasons.
May what grows rise quickly enough to be fruitful,
Bless each seed with the patience to pace its growing.
May I recognize when each time comes cyclically,
Bless the passings, harvests, flowering, and sprouting.
May what grows likewise bless the Earth in return,
Bless the land; nurturing life for countless generations.
May we always remember what was sown before,
Bless each turning and cycle that was, is, and may be.
Note regarding prohibitions:Â
There are certain prohibitions against sowing seeds at certain times, such as the prohibition called Zoreah that forbids planting during ShabbatShabbat is the Sabbath day, the Day of Rest, and is observed from Friday night through Saturday night. Is set aside from the rest of the week both in honor of the fact that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. On Shabbat, many Jews observe prohibitions from various activities designated as work. Shabbat is traditionally observed with festive meals, wine, challah, prayers, the reading and studying of Torah, conjugal relations, family time, and time with friends. and includes any action taken to promote the growth of plants such as watering or transplanting. When Rosh Hodesh falls on Shabbat, it is quite logically called Shabbat Rosh Hodesh. This also applies to raking leaves, but you may want to consider leaving the leaves to decompose and return nutrients to the soil anyway.
And if you’re within the land of IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel., the prohibition against mixing seeds that is known as Kilayim applies, but that prohibition does not apply outside of Israel so it is possible to companion plant in the Diaspora.
