Prayers & Synagogue Services for Rosh Chodesh
In synagogue, the impending arrival of the new month is announced on Shabbat Mevarchim, the Shabbat (Sabbath) before the new moonth, and Birkat haChodesh is said after the Torah readiing.
Hallel, psalms praising God, are said on Rosh Chodesh, the Torah is read (even if it is not Shabbat, Monday or Thursday, the days on which the Torah is normally read), and Musaf (the Additional Service) is said.
During the Amidah and Birkat haMazon (Grace After Meals), we add the paragraph beginning Ya’aleh V’yavo.
In ancient times extra offerings were made in the Temple on Rosh Chodesh, especially a sin offering for unwitting transgressions. Today, we pray the Musaf (Additional Service) as a substitute.
