Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Hodesh
All who bless the new moon in its proper time are as if they greet the face of the Shechinah. — Babylonian Talmud
With a joyous welcome to all, we offer monthly rituals honoring Rosh Hodesh, the new moon that begins each month of the Jewish year. These gatherings explore aspects of the divine feminine (Shechinah) and are open to people of any gender who wish to honor our roots in earth-based practices. We let the moon choose the evening of our meeting.
During our Rosh Hodesh celebrations, we review the challenges and blessings of the month that is ending, and welcome the new month with chanting, study, poetry and art-making. Each session includes contemplative savoring of chocolate, sanctified by our own Blessing for Chocolate:
B’rucha at Yah, Shechinateynu ruach ha’olam, sh’hafchah mar l’matok v’natnah bahnu koach l’shanot.
Blessed are you, Yah, Indwelling Spirit of the World, who transforms bitter to sweet and makes all transformation possible.
Mishkan Shalom’s open Rosh Hodesh celebrations are grounded in the teachings of Rabbis Jill Hammer and Shefa G. We follow the priestess pathways ("netivot") illuminated by Rabbi Jill, and we use chant, as taught by Rabbi Shefa Gold — the rhythmic and musical repetition of a sacred phrase — to deepen our experience of these pathways in our own lives. As Rabbi Shefa teaches, “When we chant together with a community we create something so much more beautiful than what any one of us could accomplish alone.”
“'Netivah' (plural "netivot"),” Rabbi Jill teaches, “is a Hebrew word for path or way of being. In the book of Proverbs, we hear of wisdom that “all her ways are pleasant, and all her paths (netivot) are peace.” We reclaim images of the divine feminine by honoring one netivah every month. The descriptions of the netivot listed with each month’s celebrations are taken from the website of the Kohenet Priestess Institute.
The conveners are chant leader Ohevet Wendy G, Kohenet (Hebrew Priestess) Shoshana B, and poet Ohevet Susan W.
- Join us to bless the new moon. View the calendar for details.
- Questions? Contact Wendy Galson, Susan Windle or Shoshana Bricklin.
Thu, May 15 2025
17 Iyar 5785
Upcoming Events
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Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025
Friday, May 16th 8:00a to 9:00a
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Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025
Friday, May 16th 6:30p to 9:30p
You are invited to welcome in Shabbat with a pot luck followed by a sing along. Bring your instruments, your voices, your favorite dish (vegetarian or fosher fish) and your Shabbas Spirit. Drinks and Challah will be provided. RSVP to nancykreimer@gmail and esteiker@mac.com. Fine to bring family and friends as well. Hope to see you! -
Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025
Shabbat, May 17th 9:30a to 12:00p
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Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025
Shabbat, May 17th 10:00a to 12:00p
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Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025
Shabbat, May 17th 12:00p to 1:00p
Congregational School Families will gather to celebrate the end of another successful school year? Please join us in the social hall immediately following the last day of school for food, games and fun. As we wrap up the party, you are invited to stay for the 1pm Arboretum dedication. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025
Shabbat, May 17th 1:00p to 3:00p
Join us as we dedicate Mishkan ‘s grounds as the region’s 1st Synagogue Arboretum! The event will be paired with the last day of congregational school and our annual Beautify for Bob day… Refreshments will be served. Come celebrate with us! Questions contact Mindy Maslin: mmaslin6049@gmail.com -
Sunday ,
MayMay 18 , 2025
Sunday, May 18th 12:00p to 2:00p
Fellow YAMS member Sonia is hosting a tea party get-together at her home! Feel free to dress up a little (or not) and celebrate spring with tea and refreshments. Address and provided upon RSVP. RSVP: zacekemily@gmail.com -
Monday ,
MayMay 19 , 2025
Monday, May 19th 8:00a to 9:00a
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Monday ,
MayMay 19 , 2025
Monday, May 19th 7:00p to 9:00p
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Monday ,
MayMay 19 , 2025
Monday, May 19th 7:00p to 9:00p
CONTACT US
Mishkan Shalom, 4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128 | 215-508-0226
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, by appointment.
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