(5772) September 29-30, 2011-Tishrei (Rosh Hashanah) | October 28-29, 2011-Cheshvan | November 27, 2011-Kislev | December 26-27, 2011-Tevet | January 25, 2012-Shevat | February 23-24, 2012-Adar | March 24, 2012-Nisan | April 22-23, 2012-Iyar | May 22, 2012-Sivan | June 20-21, 2012-Tammuz | July 20, 2012-Av | August 28, 2012-Elul

Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, occurs on the first (and sometimes the second) day of each month. In ancient times, two witnesses would appear before the Sanhedrin stating they saw the first sliver of the moon after the dark of the moon. If the Sanhedrin determined that it was in fact true, messengers were sent out throughout the land to announce the new month.

The day after the moon appeared became a day of celebration and special sacrifices. Since the destruction of the Holy Temple, the sacrifices stopped and are now replaced by prayers. It remains a custom in some communities for women to refrain from work on Rosh Chodesh, as a reward for their refusal to participate in the incident of the Golden Calf.

Additional Information: Rosh Chodesh :: The Significance of Rosh Chodesh

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