Parashat Bereishit opens with the creation of the world, beginning with the he avens and the earth, and the first act of creation: light. The Torah then introduces the cycle of day and night, "And there was evening and there was morning, one day."
Rashi’s first comment on the Torah cites Rabbi Yitzchak, who questions why the Torah does not begin with the first commandment given to the Jewish people —"This month shall be for you the beginning of months." Rabbi Yitzchak explains that the Torah begins with creation to establish that the entire world belongs to Hashem. This is crucial for when the nations of the world accuse Israel of having taken the land of Canaan from them. Israel can respond that Hashem created the world and gives it to whomever He pleases.
In Parashat Bo, the first commandment given to the Jewish people is the sanctification of the new moon, a seemingly simple mitzvah. Yet, it’s much more than that. This commandment represents a new beginning, a cycle of renewal for the Jewish people. We are reminded that despite the darkness and challenges of exile, Hashem offers us constant opportunities for renewal and spiritual rebirth, symbolized by the moon’s size changes throughout the month seen from earth.
Right after this, the Torah introduces the commandment of the pesach lamb. The act of taking the lamb and slaughtering it in front of the Egyptians was a test of faith. The Israelites had to reject idolatry and demonstrate their loyalty to Hashem, even at the risk of their own lives. This idea of sacrificing for Hashem appears throughout Jewish history, as reflected in the famous story of Rabbi Akiva. When faced with death, Rabbi Akiva was able to fulfill the commandment of loving Hashem with all his soul, proving that even in the most extreme circumstances, devotion to Hashem comes first.
The theme of self-sacrifice continues in the story of the shemot. In order for the Jewish people to be redeemed from Egypt, they had to demonstrate their dedication to Hashem by taking the lamb and marking their doorposts with its blood. This act symbolized their willingness to be committed to G-D and to sacrifice for Him.
The sanctification of the new moon, in particular, reminds us that we are always being given new chances to renew our commitment to Hashem. Just as the new moon emerges from darkness, so too can we emerge from our struggles and sins, purified and ready for a new beginning.
In Jewish life, the cycle of time—Shabbat, festivals, and new months—gives us regular moments to pause and reconnect with Hashem. If not for these fixed times, we might get lost in the rush of life and forget our ultimate purpose. The mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh teaches us that through our actions, our dedication to Hashem can be renewed daily, not just in times of crisis. By sanctifying time, we sanctify ourselves and affirm our commitment to serve Hashem.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rav Ari Haber
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