[HANASHIR:10235] Rosh Chodesh song & info

[Jaugshir <Jaugshir...>]

Please excuse me for being so late in responding.  I'm finally catching up on 
some old e-mail.  There were some inquiries about Rosh Chodesh songs and info 
about the origin of the holiday.  Here is what I have to offer . . . 

First the music . . . 

Penina Adelman and Suri Kreiger have a cassette called Chodesh Chodesh 
B'Shir, A Song A Month.  It was kind of hard to find.  I think I did a google 
search for Penina Adelman and finally got her e-mail address.  I did see a 
copy on the shelf at Roshenblum's Bookstore in Chicago about a month ago.  
The introductory song lists all of the months to a very sing songy tune, 
followed by some lai lai lai's.  Easy to pick up and a good reinforcer of the 
month names and sequence.

Background on the holiday of Rosh Chodesh . . .

Here is a paragraph from the Introduction of the Rosh Chodesh Guide by Lenore 
Bohm.  It is published by Women of Reform Judiasm and can be ordered by 
calling 212-650-4050.  I highly recommend this book as a starter manual for 
anyone thinking of starting a Rosh Chodesh celebration group.  Very easy 
format to work with.

"Rosh Chodesh is mentioned in the Book of Exodus 12:2, in the Book of Numbers 
10:10 and 28:11-15, and in Psalm 81:4-5.  Additional references include Amos 
8:5, and 1 Samuel 20:18.  These accounts note the festive elements of the 
day, including the sounding of the shofar and the offering of sacrifices.  In 
the Talmud, a clear association is drawn between women and the New Moon -- 
they are instructed not to work on the day of the New Moon as a reward for 
not contributing their jewelry towards building the Golden Calf.  The 11th 
century French commentator Rashi specifies no sewing, spinning or weaving on 
Rosh Chodesh.  Other traditional texts have added abstention from doing 
laundry as part of women's avoidance of work on this one day a month."

Penina Adelman also has a book called "Miriam's Well" which also includes and 
introduction to Rosh Chodesh as well as a celebration for each month.  This 
book is also hard to find.  I got it through Amazon.com where they will find 
used copies of books no longer in print.

I started the Rosh Chodesh celebrations at Congregation Solel almost two 
years ago with the encouragement of some people on this list.  If anyone out 
there is interested in talking further I would be happy to share with you and 
encourage you.

And . . . If you know of any congregations in the Chicago area that need a 
substitute cantorial soloist from time to time, I'm available.

--Judith Golden
Congregation Solel
Highland Park, IL  60035
(847) 831-0611