This Shabbat we read the special section in Sefer Shmot for the Shabbat either preceding or landing on Rosh Chodesh Nissan (Shmot 12:1-20). These verses begin by discussing the Mitzvah of setting up our national calendar by sanctifying the day upon which the new moon appears as Rosh Chodesh. After that, we have the introduction to the Mitzvah of the Paschal Lamb (KORBAN PESACH). This year I’d like to focus on verse 2 in this section, which informs us: This month (Nissan, also called Chodesh Ha’AVIV, the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox) shall be the first month of the year for you.

Let’s ignore all the laws of setting up a national calendar, and, instead, focus on two crucially important ideas contained in this statement. This first concept derived from this verse is that we Jews have the power to sanctify things (L’KADESH). That’s why the blessing associated with prayers on Rosh Chodesh and our Biblical Chagim is built from this phase: MEKADESH YISRAEL V’HA’Z’MANIM. God sanctifies us (Yisrael) and we, in turn, sanctify these calendar dates. Cool! And powerful. 

In this piece, though, I’m going to turn my attention to the second idea: We identify with the MOON! As opposed to every other civilization in the ancient world, which identified with the Sun, and established their calendars accordingly.

Why is this so important? Because this idea defines us. Most of human history is a series of major civilizations rising, flourishing and, eventually, disappearing. The list is........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)