Q: I have heard that some people will not do an unveiling on Rosh Hodesh. Is this true? And if so, why?
A: Rosh Hodesh, the New Moon, is treated as a minor festival. We add psalms of Hallel to our prayers. Eulogies are not usually given and fasting is forbidden. While not a full-fledged holiday there are historical indications that at one time it may have been a major celebration.
In Jewish tradition sad events yield to communal rejoicing. Hence, Shabbat superseded shivah, no burials take place on Yom Tov and one may not self-impose a fast on Rosh Hodesh.
Some individual rabbis discourage unveilings on a Rosh Hodesh for these reasons but it is not forbidden by Jewish law, halacha.
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