This coming Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh Heshvan – the month of Heshvan is sometimes called Mar Heshvan, sad or bitter Heshvan, as there are no holidays that month. Whew!!
When Rosh Chodesh, the new month, coincides with Shabbat there are a few special prayers recited to honour that conjunction. There are also special additions to the Amidah now that we are past Shmini Atzeret, the 8th day of Sukkot. It is taught that the Great Flood (think Noach) both began and ended during the month of Heshvan. Certainly, as we have already seen, the rains are falling and winds blowing – “Mashiv HaRuach U’Morid HaGeshem” we now pray during the Amidah.
We are very pleased to be starting a weekday morning minyan, 9 am every Monday morning, to allow mourners another opportunity to say Kaddish, and to offer another weekday opportunity for prayer and Torah. Monday and Thursday are traditional mornings when Torah is read. Please think about joining us and helping with the mitzvah of building a minyan. All these changes are also part of our growth as a kehillah.
We had a truly wonderful series of holiday celebrations – with many highlights. I am happy to welcome our new members to Kolot Mayim and continue to welcome our many members who have been dedicated to providing a voice for Reform in Victoria.
Kol ha kavod to all,
Rabbi Lynn
Rosh Chodesh Heshvan
October 27, 2024 by Rabbi Lynn Greenhough • From the Rabbi's Desk
This coming Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh Heshvan – the month of Heshvan is sometimes called Mar Heshvan, sad or bitter Heshvan, as there are no holidays that month. Whew!!
When Rosh Chodesh, the new month, coincides with Shabbat there are a few special prayers recited to honour that conjunction. There are also special additions to the Amidah now that we are past Shmini Atzeret, the 8th day of Sukkot. It is taught that the Great Flood (think Noach) both began and ended during the month of Heshvan. Certainly, as we have already seen, the rains are falling and winds blowing – “Mashiv HaRuach U’Morid HaGeshem” we now pray during the Amidah.
We are very pleased to be starting a weekday morning minyan, 9 am every Monday morning, to allow mourners another opportunity to say Kaddish, and to offer another weekday opportunity for prayer and Torah. Monday and Thursday are traditional mornings when Torah is read. Please think about joining us and helping with the mitzvah of building a minyan. All these changes are also part of our growth as a kehillah.
We had a truly wonderful series of holiday celebrations – with many highlights. I am happy to welcome our new members to Kolot Mayim and continue to welcome our many members who have been dedicated to providing a voice for Reform in Victoria.
Kol ha kavod to all,
Rabbi Lynn