This year's Rosh Chodesh Tammuz is two days, which happens some months. Jewish months can be either 29 or 30 days. When it's 30 days, the 30th of the previous month and the first of the new month are both called "Rosh Chodesh."
In Ancient Times there was no "set calendar." People didn't know in advance when it would be Rosh Chodesh, the Beginning "Head" of the New Month. There were observers waiting on high mountains to see the moon reaching the narrowest of crescents, and they would light fires, to be seen distances away. Fire after fire spread the word of the New Month.
In months like this upcoming Tammuz when there are two days of Rosh Chodesh, I ask the women in the group who come regularly which day suits them. I make a poll, and we all vote, including me. We're all very busy people, and I'm happy when the day suits most of the regulars, including yours truly. If you can, please join us at Ancient Tel Shiloh, where the Biblical Tabernacle stood, the place of Jewish Prayer for almost four hundred years. Its Kedusha Holiness can still be sensed.
Tel Shiloh, שילה הקדומה can be reached by public transportation. There are activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. For more information contact +972-2-5789111 or visit@telshilo.org.il
