The New Moon in Hebrew Thought

By Dr. Yeshaya Gruber - July 15, 2018

The story of Creation describes the moon and sun as natural timekeepers: “Let there be lights in the firmament of the
heavens… and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14). In the Hebrew Bible and
Jewish custom – as in many other cultural traditions – the new moon brings celebration (see Numbers 10:10).

‫( ראש חודש‬rosh khodesh) “head of the month” with feasting (1 Samuel

In Biblical times the people of Israel observed this
20:18). We read that the new moon prompted ‫( משוש‬masos) “rejoicing” (Hosea 2:11/13) and a break from business (Amos
8:5). Yet the significance of the new moon in Hebrew thought is even deeper.

The ancient prophet Yeshayahu/Isaiah wrote of the creation of “the new heavens and the new earth” in the context of a
‫( חדש‬khadash), from the same root as
time generally understood as the Messianic age. In Hebrew the word for “new” is
‫( חודש‬khodesh) “month” or “new moon.” More importantly, the same passage from the Hebrew prophet says that people
from “all nations” will come to worship Israel’s God on every sabbath and new moon. (Isaiah 66:18-23)

With this in mind, the Jewish synagogue liturgy adds special blessings for the new moon, including a prayer to
“remember Messiah, son of David… and Your entire people, the House of Israel.” Another rabbinic custom is to go
out under an open sky to see the new moon and recite Psalms of praise to God. The new moon is regarded as a symbol of
ultimate redemption, a kind of “rebirth” signaling the prophesied restoration of Israel to a new era of peace and
goodness.

The Jewish-Greek Book of Revelation also references these themes directly. This first-century apocalyptic vision pictures the
new heavens, the new earth, and even a renewal of “all things.” The text continues by describing a “tree of life” that
brings healing to the nations. Remarkably, it has twelve different fruits – specifically, one for each month or
new moon! (Revelation 21:1-5, 22:2)

The Bible can provide us with truth, but it can also be difficult to decipher! Whether you're looking for some biblical
direction, stumped on scriptural questions, or just want to confirm that you're already on the right track, join the growing
community of faculty and students at Israel Bible Center! (Click here to begin your journey of discovery).

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