Shulchan Aruch (OC 418:1) writes that it is forbidden to fast on
Rosh Chodesh. The Beiur Halacha (418, s.v. Rosh Chodesh) adds that one is not even permitted to fast for part of the day (
taanis sha’os). On the contrary, on
Rosh Chodesh there is a
mitzvah to increase one’s meal (Shulchan Aruch OC 419:1). Although there is no specific requirement to eat bread on
Rosh Chodesh, it is proper to eat a full
seuda. The Mishnah Berurah writes that it is proper to honor
Rosh Chodesh by preparing an extra dish that one would not ordinarily have served. The same is true even when
Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos. Furthermore, Chazal tells us that just as the expenditures for Shabbos do not diminish the portion that Hashem has allotted to us for the year, so too with the expenditures for
Rosh Chodesh. Women have an additional way to honor
Rosh Chodesh, by refraining from doing certain forms of
melacha.
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