Wednesday 3 Shevat 5783 (25.01.23)
New Year: Tishrei or Nisan?
הַחֹ֧דֶשׁ הַזֶּ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָכֶ֔ם לְחׇדְשֵׁ֖י הַשָּׁנָֽה׃
“This stage of the moon’s monthly renewal will signal the beginning of every new month.” Moses was not sure how big the new moon must be in order to signal the beginning of a new month, so God told him to look at the moon as it was right then, and said, “Like this.” God continued, “This month, Nisan, shall be for you the beginning of the months; it shall be for you the first of the months of the year.”
The month of Tishrei was considered the first month of the year. In the month of Tishrei is Rosh HaShana, the day when we recognise that HaShem created the world and especially Adam, man.
For the Jewish people, however, from now on Nisan would become the first month of the year, the month when they were delivered from the bondage of Egypt through great miracles.
So we see a shift from the physical world, to a world beyond the natural, a world not dependent on the natural forces that control the normal world. The Jewish people themselves are the greatest evidence of this shift. Nations rise and go down again. Just look at all the nations that ruled there through the ages, Egypt, Babylon, the Empire of the Medes and Persians, the Hellenists, etc. But the Jewish nation rose, and did not go under, but resurrected even higher than she was.
The Jewish people were delivered from Egypt, from the natural world, enabling them to begin to achieve their predetermined purpose in Creation. Namely, to use this physical world, to elevate it into a place where HaShem can dwell through Torah observance and Mitzvot practices.
Which is more important Tishrei, the beginning of creation, or Nisan the purpose of creation. Which is more important the 5 days of creation or the creation of man? Who is greater Abraham – with whom the bringing down of the Torah began – or Moses who physically brought the Torah to the people?
Without a beginning no end, which shows the importance and enormous greatness of the first one, but we need to focus on the end purpose.
Creation is needed to arrive at the redemption of Creation. Noahides recognise HaShem’s greatness in creating the world and its natural laws, order and structure. But also recognise that the purpose of this world is to bring it under the Kingship of HaShem. We do this by verbally acknowledging His Kingship and observing His Torah – the 7 Noahide laws and its details – to the best of our ability. By learning from the Jewish People how best to do so and, in her to enlighten the world and make it a fit place for HaShem, supporting her where we can.
Acceptance of HaShem’s Kingship
Almighty G-d, we accept upon ourselves Your sovereign Kingship and Mastery:
You alone are our G-d
You alone are our King
You alone are Omnipotent, and
You alone are Eternal.
You alone are our Creator
You alone are our Savior
You alone do we worship, and to
You alone do we give thanks. As it is written in Your holy Torah: “You shall know this day and take unto your heart that G-d alone is G-d; in the heavens above and upon the earht below – there is none other!” And, “You shall love your G-d with all your heart, all your soul, and all your means,” and to “Fear G-d, your G-d, and serve Him, and to vow in His Name only.” The L-rd shall reign for all eternity!”
By Angelique Sijbolts
Sources: Kehot Chumash Parshah Bo, De Order
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