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 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. 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 kiddushThe prayer recited over wine on Shabbat, holidays, and other joyous occasions. levanah, celebrating the coming full moon.)
Audio/video shiviti meditation chant
“What exists there is unknown and yet, what is known is there are places to be born”
A Rosh Chodesh ritual that draws on Tu B’Av’s traditional association with the celebration of women and love to honor communally the love and losses that shape so much of our experiences of any given year
Welcome HanukkahThe holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its conquest by the Syrians in 165 BCE. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles in a hanukiyah oon each of eight nights. Other customs include the eating of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), playing dreidl (a gambling game with a spinning top), and, in present day America, gift giving. through the Nia movement practice. We’ll kindle our unique candles to music by Jewish singers, followed by prompts for reflection and writing. Nia is adaptable to individual needs and abilities. Move with us on December 7, 2023.
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