Yom Kippur Katan, is a practice observed by some Jews on the day preceding each Rosh Chodesh. The observance consists of fasting and supplication, but is much less rigorous than that of Yom Kippur proper.
A sign announcing fast day prayers for Yom Kippur Katan in the Zichron Moshe Synagogue in Jerusalem. The special Torah Reading for Mincha of a fast day, as announced on this sign, is done only if at least ten men are fasting.
In Judaism, Rosh Chodesh or Rosh Hodesh is a minor holiday observed at the beginning of every month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the birth of a new moon. Rosh Chodesh is observed for either one or two days, depending on whether the previous month contained 29 or 30 days.
Rosh Chodesh observance depicted in Juedisches Ceremoniel, a German book published in 1724