The Torah commands us to structure the calendar in a manner that ensures that the 15th of Nissan—the day Pesach begins—falls in the spring. The emphasis placed on the timing of this holiday highlights the uplifting message conveyed by springtime.
During the months of winter, there are almost no visible signs of thriving plant life. When winter concludes, however, the processes of growth that lay dormant in the earth suddenly spring to life, and it becomes evident that the lack of growth we witnessed throughout the winter was only a temporary pause, to allow for nature’s rejuvenation. Now a fresh crop of vegetation can blossom and thrive.
The exodus from Egypt contains a very similar message. Bnei Yisrael suffered bitterly in Egypt, oppressed in both body and spirit. It was revealed only later that the exile had in fact refined them, enabling them to receive the Torah—the very word of G‑d—a short 50 days after leaving Egypt.
The same is true for us, as individuals. If ever we experience a period in life that seems to be barren, with no signs of productivity or growth, we must realize that this barrenness is almost certainly not our permanent reality. It is merely a temporary break so we can rejuvenate, and ultimately blossom and flourish again.
—Igros Kodesh, vol. 4, pp. 267–268
