Rosh Chodesh Quiz

Months in the Jewish calendar begin with a small celebration, known as Rosh Chodesh. Historically Rosh Chodesh was marked with a festive meal and the blowing of a shofar. Today Rosh Chodesh is commemorated with special prayers in synagogue. How much do you know about Rosh Chodesh?

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Question 1. Yom Kippur Katan (Minor Yom Kippur) happens
 The day of Rosh Chodesh
 The day after Rosh Chodesh
 The day before Rosh Chodesh
 One week before Rosh Chodesh

 

Question 2. In the outdoor blessing of the moon, which of the following is NOT a synonym for God meaning “creator”?
 Borei
 Koneh
 Poel
 Melekh
 Yotser

 

Question 3. True or false: In the Talmud, standing outside to gaze at and bless the moon is a commanded ritual.
 True
 False

 

Question 4. Among whom did Yom Kippur Katan originate?
 Safed Kabbalists in the 16th century
 Safed Kabbalists in the 13th century
 Talmudic rabbis in the 4th century
 Talmudic rabbis in the 10th century

 

Question 5. Rosh Chodesh is the
 New moon
 New year
 New day
 New week

 

Question 6. From the 16th to the early 20th centuries, the women of Eastern Europe wrote special Rosh Chodesh tekhines, which are
 Psalms
 Personal prayers
 D'vrei Torah
 Poems
 Folktales

 

Question 7. On Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh, why is an announcement made in synagogue about which day of the coming week the new moon will fall?
 To increase people’s contributions to the synagogue
 To tell people what day not to go to work
 To let people know when the festival falls, so they can add the appropriate prayers
 To signify that God is watching us carefully to make sure we observe the festival

 

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