Daf Yomi - Rosh Hashana 23 - Rosh Chodesh for Women and for Levi

Abaye, in explaining the Gemora’s reasoning as to why they didn’t institute to light the torches only on the night of the thirty-first is because this would compel the people of Bavel to cease from work for two days in the beginning of Tishrei. Those residing in Bavel would always refrain from work on the thirtieth of Elul since perhaps that day is Rosh Hashanah and if the torches will not be lit until after the thirty-first day, this would force them to abstain from work another day since perhaps Elul had thirty days and the thirty-first day is Rosh Hashanah. This is Rashi’s explanation.

Tosfos disagrees and understands the Gemora to be referring to every Rosh Chodesh where there is also a prohibition against working.

We are accustomed to saying that the new Yom Tov of Rosh Chodesh was added for the women as a reward for not willingly participating in the sin of the golden calf. Rav Elyashiv shlita cites one of the Acharonim who adds that according to this, the tribe of Levi also deserved a special Yom Tov since they did not serve the golden calf.

It is written in Pirkei D'Rebbe Eliezer that each one of the festivals was established in the merit of a specific person. Pesach was on the account of Avraham. Shavuos was because of Yitzchak. Sukkos was established due to Yaakov. The twelve Rosh Chodesh's throughout the year was in the merit of the twelve tribes. Once they sinned by the golden calf, it was taken away from them and given to the women. Since Levi was not involved in the sin, Rosh Chodesh was never taken away from them and it is still regarded as being a special festival for the tribe of Levi.