The Weekly Message
April 6, 2024
Parshas Shemini (HaChodesh)
“This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months…”
On the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Nissan, we read Parshas Hachodesh. The maftir is read from Parshas Bo, where Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu that the month of Nissan will be the month of the redemption of the Jewish nation from Egypt. Indeed, the month of Nissan in general is known as a special month for the Jewish people. Our exodus from Egypt took place in the month of Nissan.
The Mishkan was first assembled on Rosh Chodesh Nissan and the Mizbe’ach was inaugurated into service during the first twelve days of Nissan.
R’ Simcha Zissel Ziv Broida zt”l, the Alter of Kelm was known to bemoan Klal Yisroel’s lack of celebration of Rosh Chodesh. He would say that in the past Yidden would treat Rosh Chodesh as a true Yom Tov with a seudas mitzvah and special clothing. When questioned why it was so important to celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the Alter replied that Klal Yisroel’s joy in the renewal of the moon and the lunar month can be an important experience in the life of every Jew - pointing out that the Hallel of Rosh Chodesh commemorates the future, not the past. It is a monthly reflection upon the fact that despite the current state of Klal Yisroel in the world, we will be uplifted and redeemed in the future.
This is true every month, but when commemorating the month of Nissan, there is a much deeper level as well, and Parshas HaChodesh highlights that.