The Biblical New Year begins this weekend with the first new moon, also known as Rosh Chodeshim or the "Head of Months" —a moment of renewal when the moon is hidden, and the stars shine ever more brightly. According to the Bible, this marks the beginning of the new lunar year. Fourteen days later, as the moon reaches its fullness, we celebrate Passover, the first Moed (appointed time) of the biblical year.

In Judaism—and even more so for those who believe in His only begotten Son—the first of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 states:

“I am ADONAI your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”

But have you ever considered that the God of the Universe commands us to recognize Him not only in worship but also in how we structure our time? This is one of the often-overlooked yet powerful messages of the Bible: God orders the entire universe, and He invites us to trust Him with our time.

He designed the night for rest and the day for work. He established a rhythm of six days of labor followed by one day of Sabbath rest—not as a burden, but as a blessing. Resting is an act of trust, a declaration that we rely on our Creator rather than our own striving. We were not created to be enslaved, but to be free.

The Connection Between Passover and Time Stewardship

Celebrating Passover is more than remembering freedom from slavery; it is also about stepping into a life that honors our Creator by trusting Him and embracing the fullness of His creation. The Bible provides a clear framework for managing our time—daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonally.

But let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: God is not trying to make our lives more complicated! In fact, He makes time easy to follow. Just as the earth revolves around the sun, the moon follows its own cycle—appearing, disappearing, waxing, and waning. This cycle forms our months, and when we count them, we complete a full year. Like the 12 tribes of Israel, the biblical calendar has 12 months, with a periodic adjustment through a “leap month.”

And let’s be clear: We do not worship the heavenly bodies, nor do they hold any power over us. Instead, we recognize that God created the sun, moon, and stars as markers of time. Acknowledging His calendar is an act of worship.

Why Celebrate Rosh Chodesh?

Just as we bless God for the rising of the Son of Righteousness—Yeshua—we also honor Him by observing the new moon (Rosh Chodesh). Taking one day off in seven as a Sabbath rest is a form of worship. But why did God also establish a monthly celebration?

Consider this: what happens monthly in the natural world? The cycles of life itself. Just as God designed the monthly cycle of life in women, He also established a monthly time of renewal for His people. The first day of the lunar month, when the sky is dark and filled with stars, presents a perfect opportunity for fathers to take their children outside, look up at the heavens, and share the stories of God’s goodness.

This is what Abraham did! The Bible tells us that silver trumpets were sounded to herald the beginning of each new month—a sign of joy, renewal, and community.

Rosh Chodesh: The Beginning of a Sacred Season

This first New Moon of the year—known as Rosh Chodeshim (Head of Months)—ushers in the countdown to the Spring Feasts: Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits at the Feast of Weeks. This is the season of redemption, freedom, and new beginnings.

Making Rosh Chodesh Meaningful

Rosh Chodesh is not just for individuals—it’s a sacred time for families to reconnect and for fathers to minister to their children.

So, gather with a friend, mark this 1st New Moon of the year, and celebrate—not to worship the moon, but to worship the God who created it!