Activated by the Hour

We know there are mitzvos that are עשה שהזמן גרמא, mitzvos which a certain time period activates the obligation. 15 Examples include a Sukkah which is only done for Sukkos or a shofar which is blown on Rosh Hashana. These mitzvos among others are bound by time.

On a deeper level, we can understand מצות עשה שהזמן גרמא in another way. Instead of merely meaning "time-bound mitzvos," it can be understood as “a mitzvah generated by the time itself." Certain moments create unique spiritual responsibilities. We need to understand the unique calling and demand of a particular time. There are moments when Heaven seems to say: This is what is being asked of you now.

After October 7, many Jews felt such a call. People who had never before involved themselves in kiruv, Jewish identity, tefillin campaigns, spreading Torah learning, creating unity, chesed, or support for fellow Jews suddenly felt awakened. This period created a new "zman," and with it, a new mitzvah. A mitzvah born from the urgency of the hour.

Another example was in times of mass immigration to America, many rabbanim felt the urgent need to build yeshivos and preserve Shabbos observance in an environment where both were collapsing. One last example is after the Six-Day War, there was a tremendous awakening among Jews worldwide. Many became involved in Torah outreach and reconnected estranged Jews to their heritage.