Shabbat Shalom and Happy Full Moon!

Shabbat Candles in a silver holder, with two white roses in a red vase behind them

Happy full moon and Shabbat Shalom!

The Jewish Calendar is Lunar, and so it makes sense that there is significant lore about the moon, as well as traditions and rituals that go along with it.

Hebrew has two words for moon: one is ירח ("Yareach") which is gendered male. In modern times is used to mean a planetary moon and is used for different such celestial bodies. The other is לבנה (" Levana"), gendered female. This is a more poetic term, and is used specifically for earth's moon. In Jewish tradition this moon is associated with the שכינה ("Shekhina"), the feminine aspect of the Divine.

The phases of the moon signify different things (and will be the topic of a future post); the full moon signifies fruition, or completion and abundance. It is whole and complete, radiant. It is especially when it falls on Shabbat, which begins each Friday at sundown. Shabbat itself stands for completion. According to Scripture, on this day God rested from his Creation work, considering the work complete and abundant, whole.

Tonight, we have a beautiful full moon blessing our day of rest. On this night I am encouraged to consider my work and its fruits, my abundance and how it affects not only me, but those around me, and you. Shabbat Shalom, and happy full moon!