Once a month on Rosh Chodesh, the holiday appointed to recognise the unique place of women, the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle offers groups of women a lovely repast, a unique Torah perspective, the opportunity to connect and, of course, the unfolding story of one family, told by one woman. The women who attend love it – the acknowledgement, the empowerment and the nurturing that this gift of Rosh Chodesh bestows upon them.
The special connection between women and Rosh Chodesh harks way back to the episode of the Golden Calf, when the women refused to surrender their jewellery for use in making the idol. The intuitive wisdom and the steadfast faith which women displayed, and still do, has earned them this beautiful gift that women hold precious to this very day.
Hashem implanted into woman the cycles and rhythms that correspond with the universe – creation and renewal on a regular basis. He also blessed her with an added facet of intelligence, bina – a deep ability to understand intuitively empowering her with great leadership abilities to ensure the survival of our people despite life’s peaks and plunges.
How often, in our lives, do we ponder the significance of the gift extended to women; an invitation from G-d to be part of creation?
The myriad details that smother daily life blinds us. Yet, the essential rhythm of life continues its beat, in its cyclical circles. It is important to step aside and look.
What is the essence of our lives?
What are we rushing to do?
Why?
At the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle we ponder these questions. Each month, as a woman describes her family saga, the full family story develops, from small details and incidents, into one full blown complete story, with all its wisdom. This story is videotaped so that it can be preserved for the individual family and the larger community.
Each month at the RCWC we absorb a unique family life, with its trials and tribulations, joys and triumphs. The stories often show the careful navigating that a woman accomplishes on a daily basis – nurturing, guiding, and always, always relying on the wisdom of the woman to build a home.
The deep appreciation and support that comes out of this reminds a woman of who she is, how remarkable she is and of the invisible structures that she builds each day that last to eternity.
Rosh Chodesh, a holiday for women, a monthly reminder of our special relationship with Hashem. Women, especially, have reason to celebrate this gift with feasting, nurturing and joy.