At first glance, the haftarah for Erev Rosh Chodesh, which we read this week, seems to have little to tell us about the day itself. Its choice as the reading for the day before the start of the new month appears to derive from the phrase machar chodesh, “Tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh,” which Yehonatan says to David in the opening verse (I Samuel 20:18). But beneath this detail lies a story of family, friendship and national dynamics.

Rosh Chodesh, marking the start of the Jewish month, is a time of renewal, reflection, and spiritual alignment. Perhaps its appearance in this story can shed some light on how we are meant to think about the start of a new month.

In the story, King Shaul awaits the arrival of those closest to him to his palace. David, attempting to avoid Shaul, does not arrive at the palace, and a concerned Yehonatan warns him that Shaul will notice his absence. Nonetheless, David stays away, leading Shaul to be enraged not only with David, but with his own son, Yehonatan, whom he (rightly) fears has chosen........

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