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Glite Dictionary
Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh

1 9.9
The start of each month in the Jewish calendar when people say special prayers and gather
  • noun
  • /roʊʃ ˈkoʊdɛʃ/
  • Jargon
: Rosh Jodesh
  • Special prayers are recited during Rosh Chodesh in synagogues around the world.

Examples

  • Many Jewish families gather for a festive meal on Rosh Chodesh to mark the new month.

  • The celebration of Rosh Chodesh often includes singing, learning, and community gatherings.

  • We celebrate Rosh Chodesh with special prayers.

  • This month, Rosh Chodesh falls on a Tuesday.

  • In Judaism, Rosh Chodesh is celebrated with special prayers and rituals.

  • Many women observe a custom of refraining from work on Rosh Chodesh.

  • During Rosh Chodesh, the community gathers to mark the new month.

Synonyms

Rosh Hodesh
vsRosh Chodesh
  • Jargon
9.9

The start of each month in the Jewish calendar observed with special prayers and customs

is identical in meaning but uses the other traditional written form

Surface Forms

Rosh Chodesh singular
Rosh Chodeshim plural

Morphology

Rosh + Chodesh

The phrase is fully compositional: in Hebrew 'Rosh' = 'head' or 'start' and 'Chodesh' = 'month', so 'Rosh Chodesh' literally means 'head of the month' and thus the beginning of the month. Although the constituents are not English (and are missing dictionary glosses here), a learner who knows the constituent meanings can directly derive the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The noun Rosh Chodesh literally names its parts: Rosh 'head' and Chodesh 'month'. It comes from the old practice of starting a month when people saw the 'new moon', so today Rosh Chodesh means the 'beginning of each month' and is marked with special prayers.