Jewish Fairfield

Welcome to Jewish Fairfield! We like to celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the first day of each Hebrew month. If there's a new moon in the sky, it's Rosh Chodesh. Visit this page and join us monthly.

Here's a little summary of this Hebrew month's qualities, beginning on Rosh Chodesh - Rosh Chodesh Av for the Hebrew Year 5786 begins at sundown on Tuesday July 14, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday July 15, 2026.

Historically, during the month of Av, many disastrous events have occurred. Therefore, the first half of the month is focused on mourning, especially the tragic loss of the first and second Holy Temples.

This year let's focus on our opportunities to grow and prosper. As Chaya Hoch on Chabad.org expressed it, "We lament destruction, yet we are promised renewal."

Historically, the beginning of each month was established by two witnesses sighting the new moon in the night sky. The Hebrew calendar we use today was created around 350 CE by a group of Jewish leaders called the "Calendar Council". However, the calendar's starting point is 3761 BCE, the year of Creation as described in Torah.

Mention of the new month is the first mitzvah stated in Torah, regarding the month of Nisan in Exodus 12:2 - יהוה said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you.

Today Rosh Chodesh is acknowledged by special prayers in daily synagogue services, as well as fun family and group gatherings to celebrate this special day of new beginnings every month.