VOLUME 110 NUMBER 3
Adar 2 26, 5784
April 5, 2024
SPECIAL PARSHAS HACHODESH EDITION
Candlelighting Time 7:10 PM

  This Shabbos we will read the parsha that discusses the upcoming month of Nissan. It is considered the first and foremost of the months of the year. What indeed is so significant about this month. Of course, we bring the special Passover sacrifice in this month, however why would that make the month itself so important? Furthermore, Nissan is referred to as the head of the months and the first of the months. What is the reason for this double designation?

Chasam Sofer provides a fascinating insight into the nomenclature of Nissan. It is called the head of the months because it is the most meaningful. The entire creation took place due to this month. With this month begins the onset of receiving the Torah and acceptance of the mitzvos which occurred at that time 7 weeks after the exodus from Egypt. The offering of the Pesach sacrifice portents the eventual assembly at Mt. Sinai. However, it is not clear from the Chasam Sofer what exactly the relationship is.

Meshech Chochmah in a lengthy discourse defines the importance of the Korban Pesach. One very essential aspect of the offering is that the Kohanim who normally receive portions of the sacrifices are not entitled to anything with this one. This indicates the unanimity of the nation. In the absolute truth, each and every person has the opportunity to connect with Hashem at their level. Although Kohanim serve within the Beis Hamikdash, nonetheless as far as sanctification of oneself is concerned we all rank the same. This crucial message is embodied within the context of this offering. When we received the Torah, there was no differentiation. Everyone responded that they wanted to accept Hashem’s dominion and therefore avail themselves of Torah and mitzvos.  

   Based upon the above, we can now clarity the theme of the Chasam Sofer. Since the entire creation is for the sake of Torah. Even though the Torah was not given until thousands of years later, nonetheless the purpose of the entire cosmos is for the study of Torah and performance of the mitzvos. That message is conveyed through the Korban Pesach and the commencement of that eventual ascension to proximity of Hashem through Torah and mitzvos begins with this time of the year, the month of Nissan.

As aforementioned, Nissan is also the first of the months. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the name Nissan is not a Hebrew word rather it is of Babylonian origin rooted in the Persian language. Ramban explains that initially this month was denoted as the first month to demark our liberation from Egyptian bondage. Although the year begins with Tishrei, it is termed as the seventh month because the Torah stipulated that we should have an ongoing acknowledgement of our exodus from Egypt. However, when we were exiled to Babylon and then eventually ascended back to Israel, that event became our focal point. Hence we adopted the Babylonian word to denote that remarkable occurrence. Therefore, Nissan is the first of the months to constantly remind us of Hashem’s kindness in rescuing us from our exile then and our recurring challenges. Certainly, perhaps as never before as we encounter global vehemence protesting our existence, we must really understand that all is in the hand of Hashem and it is only through continuing our davening and study of Torah will we successfully prevail this episode also. 

A BYTE FOR SHABBOS

When Moshe informed the nation that they will be redeemed from Egypt in Nissan, they responded that it isn’t yet 400 years. He answered since Hashem ‘wants’ the redemption, He doesn’t look upon the accounting of the years. His reply was that when there is a desire to come close to Hashem, nothing will stop the resultant effect of that push made by the people.          

S’FAS EMES 

GOOD SHABBOS

AGAIN, WE FIND OURSELVES UNDER ASSAULT FROM THE ENTIRE WORLD AND BLAMED FOR UNFORTUNATELY INNOCENT DEATHS AS THOUGH THE IDF TARGETED THOSE POOR AID WORKERS. WE ARE BEING TESTED BY HASHEM TO REMAIN STRONG AND FAITHFUL THAT IY’H WE WILL PERSEVERSE AND MERIT PEACE AND TRANQULITY IN OUR NATION.