Jewish Studies: Yom Tov (Your Daily Calendar)

 

YOM TOV

(Your Daily Calendar)

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Add Event Today in Jewish History Open All   Plague of Darkness (1313 BCE)   More   Passing of Ibn Ezra (1164)   More   Passing of Shach (circa 1663)   More Laws and Customs Open All   Rosh Chodesh Observances    Less   Today is the second of the two Rosh Chodesh ("Head of the Month") days for the month of "Adar II" (when a month has 30 days, both the last day of the month and the first day of the following month serve as the following month's Rosh Chodesh). Special portions are added to the daily prayers: Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is recited -- in its "partial" form -- following the Shacharit morning prayer, and the Yaaleh V'yavoprayer is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals; the additional Musaf prayer is said (when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat, special additions are made to the Shabbat Musaf). Tachnun (confession of sins) and similar prayers are omitted. Many have the custom to mark Rosh Chodesh with a festive meal and reduced work activity. The latter custom is prevalent amongst women, who have a special affinity with Rosh Chodesh -- the month being the feminine aspect of the Jewish Calendar.