Rosh Chodesh
What is Rosh Chodesh?
Women of Isaiah established a monthly Rosh Chodesh celebration almost twenty years ago. Rosh Chodesh, which literally means “head of the month”, is a sacred time for women. In ancient times women were given a holiday from household chores. At Temple Isaiah, we celebrate Rosh Chodesh by getting together to explore different aspects of the feminine Jewish experience. We strive to develop programs that build community, create lasting friendships and explore topics relevant to our lives as Jewish women. At our annual Women’s Retreat, we enjoy a full Shabbat of song, meditation, prayer and celebration.
Meetings are usually in the Sanctuary on Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Newcomers and friends are always welcome. We continually learn something wonderful from being together and sharing our stories. For more information, please contact Karen Marriner at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Ellen Montague at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
5772 Rosh Chodesh Calendar
October 24, 2011: Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
Om Shalom - Yoga with Joani DeVries and Betsy Shandolov (Oneg Room)
Om Shalom! Come join us in the Oneg Room for an evening of guided meditation, yoga stretching and discussion at our first Rosh Chodesh of the new year. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat if you would like. All women welcome, this will be a non-strenuous fun evening, led by Temple members Joani DeVries and Betsy Shandolov.
January 23, 2012: Rosh Chodesh Shevat
The Seeds of Rebirth with Rabbi Judy Shanks (Sanctuary & Oneg Room)
In Israel and in Northern California we are in our winter but already witnessing the seeds of spring beginning to sprout. Tu B’shvat focuses our attention on the natural world and our relationship to its cycles. In this session Rabbi Shanks will teach and lead discussions from ancient and modern texts about breaking out of old habits and starting anew.
Monday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. in the Beit Knesset
Women of Isaiah’s Rosh Chodesh Adar with Artist Laurel Robinson
Laurel Robinson, an artist and professor of art at Georgia Southwestern State University, created the yad for the Women’s Torah. The yad is 13 inches long. The yad (hand) part and one of the wings are crafted from a wood called pink ivory, the black is ebony, the white part is deer antler, and the red rose is carved carnelian. The design was inspired from the Song of Songs because it was, perhaps, written by a woman, and at least is a very ancient example of love poetry. Even when seen allegorically, it represents the love between the people Israel and God. The yad is housed in a wooden box made of domestic cherry, lined with velvet from the Torah mantle. A prayer by the renowned poet and liturgist Marcia Falk is inscribed on the box.
March 23-24, 2012: Rosh Chodesh Nisan
Women’s Shabbat Retreat - more info coming soon!
March 26, 2012: Women’s Inter-generational Dessert Seder
April 23, 2012: Rosh Chodesh Iyar
Storahtelling with Debbie Enelow (Sanctuary)
May 21, 2012: Rosh Chodesh Sivan
More Information Coming Soon!