moon

Everyday

1. The big round object that goes around the Earth and shines at night by reflecting sunlight (often the Moon). tree →
2. A natural object that goes around another planet: "Jupiter has many moons." tree →
3. As a verb, to move around lazily or dreamily. tree →

In the lessons

In science, the Moon orbits the Earth about once a month; its shape seems to change (phases: new moon, crescent, half, full moon) because we see different parts lit by the Sun; it pulls on the oceans to make tides. People landed on the Moon in 1969. Phrases: full moon, new moon, half moon, once in a blue moon (very rarely), over the moon (very happy).

Examples

• The moon is full tonight. tree →
• The Moon goes around the Earth. tree →
• The moon shines because it reflects sunlight. tree →
• Astronauts walked on the Moon. tree →
• Jupiter has dozens of moons. tree →
• The Moon pulls the sea and makes tides. tree →
• She was over the moon about her present. tree →
• We go there once in a blue moon. tree →
• Hear what the Moon told me. tree →

Note

The Moon does not make its own light; it reflects the Sun. Myth: the Moon does not really change shape. "Month" comes from "moon". Capital "Moon" for ours, small "moon" for others.

In Jewish tradition

It is the light that rules the night and sets the months. "New moon" means the first day of a month.

Interpretation. Rosh Chodesh, the new moon, is a minor holiday with extra prayers. The Jewish festivals are set by the moon, and a court once fixed each new month when witnesses saw the thin new moon.

Examples

• This is the burnt-offering of every new moon throughout the months of the year. (Torah NUM.28.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And for the precious things of the fruits of the sun, and for the precious things of the yield of the moons, (Torah DEU.33.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And in your new moons ye shall present a burnt-offering unto the LORD: two young bullocks, and one ram, seven he-lambs of the first year without blemish; (Torah NUM.28.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who appointedst the moon for seasons; the sun knoweth his going down. (Writings PSA.104.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. (Writings PSA.121.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Praise ye Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all ye stars of light. (Writings PSA.148.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

The Moon does not make its own light; it reflects the Sun. Myth: the Moon does not really change shape. "Month" comes from "moon". Capital "Moon" for ours, small "moon" for others.