As traditional Jewish person, my calendar is governed by new moons.  The new moon sets the new month, which is called Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the month) in Hebrew.  Tonight, there will be a new moon.   The new moon for the month of Nissan..

Rosh Chodesh is a special time for me. My daughter was born on Rosh Chodesh.  My mom died on Rosh Chodesh, as did one of my grandfathers.  And, Shabat Rosh Chodesh was the bat mitzvah of my daughter.  But, tonight’s Rosh Chodesh is also special.  Because it is the beginning of Nissan, which means it is one of our “new years”.

It is also when we are supposed to begin our recount of our release from Mitzrayim (Egypt; narrow straits), our study of the Exodus. The Tora specifies “because of this” ― meaning the obligation is when the matzo and maror are in front of us- i.e. on Pesach (Passover) night.  But, we are supposed to start thinking about Pesach at least two weeks ahead of time. We can’t just meander into a major life transformational experience like the Seder-  where we discern our very essence as a human and a Jew ― and elaborate upon the nuances without any preparation!  I actually  begin my preparation (studies) when Purim is over- but most folks start by Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

Each day of this month we should spend a little time thinking about the time of yetziat Mitzrayim, the augment of our liberation as a people. What are our priorities? What’s holding us back from becoming great? And how do we achieve that?

Judaism stresses that there is both a sanctity of time and of place. “Sanctity of place” is where Hashem enables us to feel its presence.  For me, that has always been where ever I pray, when confronted by a keshet (a rainbow), when I am present in the State of Israel, and certainly when I am in Yerushalayim. Those latter feelings are extraordinary.   We are not being crazy (although there IS a Jerusalem syndrome)…we are simply feeling the presence of Hashem.  It is why my Dali painting of the Kotel (the Western Wall, formerly known as the Wailing Wall)  faces me as I eat a Shabat meal, and most of my other meals to boot.

But, there is also a “sanctity of time.”  Hashem provides us the ability to feel different spiritual powers on each holiday. Pesach is the time of freedom. The preparation period starts from the beginning of the month., in other words, from tonight Rosh Chodesh.  Then the afternoon before the Seder at the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple), we would sacrifice an animal. That was akin to taking control of the animal side of ourselves. (Thankfully, we no longer sacrifice; t’fila (prayer) provides this capability for us now.) But, the real breakthrough in experiencing our liberation and control comes at the Seder ― when we have the tools staring us in the face― the matzo and maror.  And, we are surrounded by our family and friends.

I see myself as if I’m being liberated today. Not just because Hashem took my ancestors out centuries ago. My neshama, my spirit, was there at yetziat Mitzrayim, too.  Pesach provides us all a lift. It’s the opportunity to feel as though we are walking out of prison.

So, step out. Take a deep breath and enjoy the air. Even if snow is falling around you.  We have to garner the courage, break our shackles (of all those inadequate thoughts, of our anger, our disappointments)…the cell doors are open today and we can walk right out to freedom.

But this opportunity is only as good as we choose it to be. Hashem is ready to help us out right now. Right this minute.

Seize the moment.  It’s in the air for us all.  Right now!

Shabat shalom.  Chodesh tov.

And a wonderful Peach to us all.   May we live our lives as free, sentient beings.