“ביום החודש הראשון באחד לחודש תקים את משכן אהל מועד” 2:04
“On the day of the first month, on the first of the month, you shall set up the Mishkan of the Ohel Moed.” The posuk is redundant as it says, “On the day of the first new moon,” and then says, “On the first of the month,” which is the same thing. Why is the posuk redundant? What is the significance in what we call Parshas Hachodesh?
What is the significance of the new moon in Yiddishkeit? Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the month – the new moon – is not a day of marking the cosmic astronomical event. Rather, through the natural phenomenon, it presents us with a model and exhorts us to establish and observe “new moons,” renewals, in human society, in our own lives. Upon the establishment of משכן אוהל הועד, the dwelling place of the Tent of Appointed Meeting, Hashem’s Glory will begin to dwell on Earth in the midst of the people of Yisroel, and thereby, will begin Klal Yisroel’s מועד, the conjunction of Klal Yisroel with its “Sun,” its illumination by the light of Hashem. This will take place on the day of the first new moon – on the day of that new moon, which is the beginning of the Jewish year. This was the new moon that first brought the message of constant renewal to Klal Yisroel. (This was while Klal Yisroel were still in Mitzrayim, about to leave, as they left in the month of Nisan). Through Klal Yisroel, the message was to be conveyed to all of mankind. The new moon of the arising of the nation was also the new moon of the dwelling of the Shechinah, the fulfillment of the promise “ושכנתי בתוכם” – that Hakodosh Boruch Hu would dwell amongst Klal Yisroel, by which alone the national redemption reached its completion. (ר’ שמשון רפאל הירש)
The first month, the month of Nisan, represents the renewal of Klal Yisroel. The first day of this month represents the first day of the Mishkan, the first day of a direct connection to Hakodosh Boruch Hu. Klal Yisroel were still in Mitzrayim; they were soon going to leave, and the first day of the month of Nisan came – the day that represented a colossal change for Klal Yisroel. They were going to leave Mitzrayim and were going to become the nation of Hashem. The Shechina rested in the Holy of Holies, for that was where the Luchos were, the Torah Hakdosha, which was the connection between Hakodosh Boruch Hu and Klal Yisroel. It was “hidden” away, for one is supposed to learn Torah in private, not seek kovod for it, and that Torah will spread throughout the world.
There is a focus on the first; we must begin somewhere. We must seek to constantly elevate ourselves in ruchniyos and come closer to Hakodosh Boruch Hu. Parshas Hachodesh represents the renewal, the first, as we must always look for that renewal, a time that we must restrengthen ourselves in our avodas Hashem and attach ourselves the Torah Hakdosha. May we be zoche to have a true renewal, of being truly connected to the Ribbono Shel Olam.
RABBI YAKOV YOSEF SCHECHTER
365 ROUTE 59, SUITE 23I AIRMONT, NY I0952
