Rosh Chodesh Sighted!
The Rosh Chodesh, which is the observed-crescent New Moon, was sighted from Israel on the evening of 9/4/2024, marking the beginning of the 7th scriptural month. The sighting was made from Jerusalem at 7:19pm by Devorah Gordon, Chaya, and at least one other person.
This means that the first commanded festival of the 7th month, Yom Teruah, the “Day of Blowing” (the shophar), begins this evening at sunset. Reference to this festival is found in Vayyiqra (Leviticus) 23. This festival also begins the Yamim Nora’im, the ten “Days of Awe,” which are a time of reflection, repentance, and a turning away from sin - Teshuvah.
Have a lovely and meaningful festival, Chaverim, and L’shana Tovah Tiketeivu! – May you be inscribed for an Excellent new year!