Halacha: Eating Something Extra in Honor of Rosh Chodesh

BY RABBI RAFAEL ZAIDENBERG

The Shulchan Aruch (1) says it's a Mitzvah to eat something extra in honor of Rosh Chodesh.

Even though the Mitzvah is to add a food or a dish, one who eats a nice meal with bread on Rosh Chodesh is praiseworthy!

Someone who cannot afford a lavish meal with bread should still add something, and minimally, eat another fruit on Rosh Chodesh.

The Midrash says that all of one's money is decided on Rosh Hashana, until the next Rosh Hashana. Except for money that's spent for Shabbat, Yom Tov, "Rosh Chodesh", Chol HaMoed, and the money children take to school to pay their teachers.

Whoever increases in these things, Hashem grants you more money, and if you are cheap with these things, Hashem decreases your wealth.

The main time to eat extra for Rosh Chodesh is during the day (5). This was the time the Korban Mussaf was given.

If one is having a bread meal on Rosh Chodesh, there is an addition of Ya'aleh v'yavo in Birkat Hamazon thats very important to say. If one finished Birkat HaMazon and skipped it, one does not have to repeat Birkat HaMazon.

Sources:
(1). O"C 419:1
(2). Mishna Berurah O"C 419:1:1
(3). Ben Ish Chai Vayikra 2 H.10
(4). Pesikta Parsha 27
(5). Mishna Berurah O"C 419:1:2