Rosh Hodesh | Upcoming Events for Women | BJ Women’s Retreat | Resources for Rituals for Women
The women at B’nai Jeshurun wanted a communal space to learn, pray and sing together. Rabbi Felicia L. Sol felt the privilege and the responsibility to create this space. Together, in 2001, they established monthly Rosh Hodesh group meetings, corresponding to the Hebrew calendar months, and held the first Women’s Retreat. There has been an annual Women’s Retreat every year since then. There was an incredible awakening to have a forum where women could explore Judaism on their own terms and only hear voices of women, which had been less loud until our time.
There are many reasons why Rosh Hodesh is given as a holiday for women. Legends tell us that the women of Israel refused to surrender their jewelry for the creation of the golden calf. As a reward, the Israelite women were pardoned from working on Rosh Hodesh. Another popular reason is the similarity between the moon’s cycle and menstruation. Each new month on the Hebrew calendar, we study, discuss, celebrate and pray together on this holiday traditionally associated with women. Please bring a dairy/vegetarian kosher snack to share.
Rosh Hodesh Tevet – Hag Habanot
Monday, December 26 | 7:00PM | 88th Street
Rosh Hodesh Shevat
Tuesday, January 24 | 7:00PM | 88th Street
Rosh Hodesh Adar
Wednesday, February 22 | 7:00PM | 88th Street
Rosh Hodesh Nissan
Saturday, March 24 | following services | 88th Street
Rosh Hodesh Iyar
Sunday, April 22 | 11:00PM | 88th Street
Rosh Hodesh Sivan
Tuesday, May 22 | 7:00PM | 88th Street
Rosh Hodesh Tammuz
Wednesday, June 20 | 7:00PM | 88th Street
Wednesday, February 22 | 7:00PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
Each new month on the Hebrew calendar, we study, discuss, celebrate and pray together on this holiday traditionally associated with women. Please bring a dairy/vegetarian kosher snack to share. Contact Amanda for more information.
If you would like to receive periodic emails about Rosh Hodesh meetings and other women’s events, contact Sarah Guthartz.
BJ has organized Women’s Retreats since 2001, half of them with Israeli delegations from Hamidrasha Institute. In recent years, the retreats have been held at Isabella Freedman’s retreat center in Connecticut. The retreats, a highlight for many BJ members, give women a chance to disconnect from their everyday lives and find connection in Judaism, nature, spirituality, song and each other.
Click here to read reflections of Rosh Hodesh and the Women’s Retreat.
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