May Women Work on Rosh Chodesh?

Quiz

1 - According to the letter of the law, is there a prohibition to do melacha on Rosh Chodesh?

• Yes, to the extent melacha is forbidden on Yom Tov
• Yes, to the extent that melacha is forbidden on Chol Hamoed
• No, just like it is permissible on any weekday

2 - According to the Midrash, why were women rewarded with a special relationship with Rosh Chodesh?

• The women did not give of their golden ornaments to make the Golden Calf
• The women led the singing of the Shirat Hayam
• The Matriarchs were the first to recognize the holiness of Rosh Chodesh

3 - How does the Bach understand the custom of women not doing melacha on Rosh Chodesh?

• Women are not allowed to do melacha on Rosh Chodesh
• Women are privileged to choose for themselves how much melacha to do or not do
• Women should only do those melachot that are necessary for enjoying Rosh Chodesh