The New Opportunities Given Every Moment
By Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
This perspective on the world is especially empowering. It means that at every moment, we can recreate ourselves. If all of existence is constantly being created anew, by the same token, we, too, are constantly being created anew. Therefore, we are never “stuck” in the same place. The way we were last year, last month, yesterday, or even the last moment does not dictate who we are right now. At every moment, we have the capacity to change. Our past selves do not define who we are now and who we can be going forward. This is why החודש הזה לכם ראש חדשים is such a crucial mitzva. It tells us that we are endowed with the power of חידוש, of renewal, given the ability to recreate ourselves at any time.
Tu B’Shvat is observed in the dead of winter, when the trees are bare, when nature seems lifeless. But even then, beneath the surface, in the soil, processes are taking place, preparing for the beautiful spring blossoms. This shows us that even when we seem spiritually “lifeless,” nevertheless, deep within our souls, we have the capabilities that we need to blossom and shine brightly. It is never too late to change and improve, regardless of our current condition.
החודש הזה לכם. At every moment, we have new opportunities, a chance to rewrite our story and recreate ourselves.
