Message of the Moon
“Hachodesh Hazeh lochem Rosh Chodoshim.” This month (Nissan) will be the
first of all months [of the year] (Shemos 12:2).
So begins the first mitzvah directly given to Klal Yisroel (see Rashi,
Bereshis 1:1) – the sanctification of the New Moon, and the primacy of
Chodesh Nissan as the first of the months of the year. Although other
mitzvos were referenced in earlier parshiyos (such as milah and gid
ha’nasheh), this was the first one given as a direct commandment to the
Upon reflection, it is not immediately evident why this mitzvah was
as the first one and why it was given to the B’nei Yisroel at this
particular moment – as they began their destiny as the Am Hanivchar (the
Chosen People of Hashem). While the theme of Chodesh Nissan is certainly
congruent with the instructions for the preparation of the korban Pesach,
knowledge of the halachos of kiddush hachodesh were not a prerequisite for
the mitzvos of the korban. In fact, the full spectrum of kiddush
establishing the new month based upon the actual sighting of the moon, was
not put into effect until we lived in Eretz Yisroel and the Sanhedrin was
I would like to propose that Hashem might have selected this moment to
the concept of kiddush hachodesh with His people in order to share with
two powerful lessons that can be gleaned from the careful study of the
The Gemorah (Chullin 60b; and referenced by Rashi, Bereshis 1:16) relates
that the moon was originally equal in brilliance to the sun, but after the
moon complained and questioned the value in having "two kings wear the same
crown," Hashem reduced its light and established the dominance of the sun
among the celestial bodies.
After 210 years of galus in Egypt, the Bnei Yisroel were in the midst of a
meteoric rise – in prestige, power, and financial success. As with all
blessings, there were challenges associated with acquiring these brachos.
Penniless slaves have little reason to envy each other. Moreover, there is
natural bond created among people who share a common enemy and suffer
depravation together. These relationships – and the value systems of
individual members of Klal Yisroel – were about to undergo a rigorous test
as they were showered with the allure of freedom, the bounty of the
Egyptians, and eventually, the acquisition of each family’s portion in
Yisroel. (Some meforshim comment that the fear of the challenges of sudden
wealth was the reason that Moshe was initially reluctant to have his people
‘borrow’ the valuables of the Egyptians.)
Perhaps this is what Hashem was hinting to them as he directed the
of Klal Yisroel to the New Moon. Remember the importance of humility,
proclaims the levanah. Frowning upon the success of others diminishes your
own stature – in so many ways. Appreciating their success will elevate you
and make you a spiritual being; a true Eved Hashem.
This may offer us a homiletic insight into the phrase that Hashem uttered
Moshe as He showed him the new moon. “K’zeh r’eiy v’kaddeish”, look [at the
image of the new moon] and [when you see it in this position in the sky]
proclaim it to be holy [Rosh Chodesh].” Hashem is instructing Klal Yisroel
that looking at the moon and remembering its message of the importance of
humility will elevate your kedusha.
Another, related message of the moon may be found in its monthly cycle of
waxing and waning. While the sun remains in its full glory day after day,
the moon undergoes change – from its humble beginnings each month as a mere
sliver in the evening sky, to full strength in mid-month, only to fade and
eventually disappear from sight altogether.
The gemorah (Succah 29a) compares the Jewish people to the moon. And, in
fact, throughout our history we were fortunate to enjoy periods of glory –
and times of horrific churban. Hashem directed Klal Yisroel to look at the
moon and realize that their newfound freedom and power may not last
Our strength as the Am Hanivchar needs to be much more than the power we
possess and the financial success that we achieve. Enjoy the blessings I
have given you, says Hashem. But at the same time, realize that you will
need to live meaningful lives; lives devoted to the eternal principles of
our Torah – as you earn the title “Yisroel asher b’cha espo’eir”
Best wishes for a gutten Shabbos.
Text Copyright © 2007 by Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz and Torah.org.
Rabbi Horowitz is the founder and dean of Yeshiva Darchei Noam in Monsey, NY, as well as the founder and Program Director of Agudath Israel's Project Y.E.S. (Youth Enrichment Services), which helps at-risk teens and their parents. He is a popular lecturer on teaching and parenting topics in communities around the world, and is the author of several best-selling parenting tape and CD sets. For more information on Rabbi Horowitz's parenting tapes, visit http://www.rabbihorowitz.com/ or call 845-352-7100 X 133.