Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! is the first proactive, informal education program that uses Judaism to enrich the lives of girls. It draws on Jewish tradition to give girls a place to feel safe, articulate their questions and concerns, have fun, and be ‘real’ with their peers.

Small groups of girls meet monthly with a carefully trained adult leader who uses our step-by-step manual. Through discussion, arts & crafts, and drama, the girls integrate core Jewish values as they focus on the things they care about most, such as body image, friendship, relationships, competition, stress, and family.

• many girls drop out of Jewish programming after bat mitzvah
• girls’ self-esteem plummets as they enter adolescence.

Rosh Hodesh draws on Jewish teachings and traditions to keep girls healthy and whole—despite the aspects of popular culture that encourage risky behaviors.

• Girls come together as a group, examining the past that unites them, exploring ways to grow closer and finding their own inner beauty.
• They reflect on the value of being a Jewish female as they learn about the intrinsic importance of Jewish ritual.
• They take a significant first step to realizing “self”—through self-appreciation and self-reflection—while opening their hearts to the group, community and themselves.
• Focus on Jewish values—derech eretz, teshuvah, lashon hara—that help each girl
  • search the heart to act with consideration and respect
  • become a better person
  • avoid gossip and speak with integrity

DATES FOR Lev Group 2011/2012

September 11th
The September 11th meeting is a "Taste of Rosh Hodesh" that is open to all 6th grade girls and their moms. During this meeting, everyone will be introduced to the program so that they can see what the Rosh Hodesh program has to offer. All of the following meetings are closed to the girls who commit to participating for the entire school year. If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
October 9th
November 13th
December 11th
January 8th
February 12th
March 4th
April 22nd

Lev Group meets at Room 301 from 11:30-1:30

In the Ruach Year (second year), girls are encouraged to develop their unique spirit, as they experience lessons about kindness, forgiveness, friendship, sharing and standing up for themselves.

• Girls continue to learn about themselves—they broaden their imaginations, analyze conflict, handle stress and become better communicators.
• A stronger connection to soul and spirit develops, as both friendships and spirituality deepen.
• Girls internalize and share, examine their history and prepare for the future through a soulful lens.
• Focus on Jewish values—gemilut hasadim, tzedakah, shalom bayit, midot—that help each girl
  • engage in acts of loving kindness
  • give generously and justly
  • get along with family
  • forge character

Year Two- Ruach

Dates and times for the Ruach Group are still being determined. The Ruach Group meets at rotating homes each month, not at Congregation Beth Israel.

Year two meetings are held in group members' homes on a rotating schedule. Please contact Jessica Kretzer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information regarding meeting locations and times.

September 25th
October 23rd
November 20th
December 11th
January 22nd
February 12th
March 25th
April 22nd
May 20th