Editing Shabbos Mevarchim (section)

==== Blessing of the New Month ====
'''Blessing of the New Month - Expanded Entry'''

The Blessing of the New Month is customarily recited while standing, commemorating the sanctification of the new moon ceremony during the time of the Beis Hamikdash, when the entire nation would stand as the Beis Din announced the sanctification of the month.

Before reciting the Blessing of the New Month, one must know the time of the molad (new moon), and in Chabad Chassidic synagogues, it is customary to announce the molad time aloud. In 770, a large sign is posted monthly displaying the details of the molad time and the dates when Rosh Chodesh will occur.

It is customary to honor the most distinguished congregant with reciting the Blessing of the New Month, which is said melodiously. When Rosh Chodesh falls on two days, occurring on Shabbos-Sunday, it is customary to add "on the holy Shabbos and the following day, on Sunday." However, when these two days fall during the week, there are varying customs among Chabad Chassidim whether to say "and the following day" or not.

The Shabbos on which the new month is blessed is a joyous day, and therefore Av HaRachamim is not recited, except on Shabbos Mevarchim Sivan, when it is said in memory of those killed in the massacres of 5556, which occurred during those days.