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VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI 5762-2002
"The
Original Jewish Renewal Movement"
Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald
On
this coming Shabbat we will read two parashiot,
Vayakhel and Pekudei, which conclude the
book of Exodus. These parashiot describe the actual erecting
and dedication of the Tabernacle. This Shabbat, we will
also read Exodus 12:1-20 from a second Torah. This portion,
known as parashat Hachodesh, anounces that the month of
Nisan, the first month of the year, is soon to commence.
In the year 5762, Rosh Chodesh Nisan occurs on
Wednesday night, March 13th and Thursday, March 14th.
Passover, of course, will be observed 15 days after Rosh
Chodesh Nisan.
Exodus
12:1 reads: "Hachodesh ha'zeh lachem rosh chodashim,
rishon hu la'chem l'chod'shay hashana." This
month shall be for you the head of the months, it shall
be for you the first of the months of the year. The rabbis
point out that the word "lachem"--to
you, is composed of the exact same letters as the word
"melech"--king, which indicates that
the month of Nisan should be honored more than any other
month. By reading the special Torah portion and the special
Haftorah (prophetic message) on the Shabbat before Rosh
Chodesh Nisan, we publicize that this month is indeed
honored and hallowed.
The
Jewish calendar has propitious times. The month of Tishrei,
is a propitious time for teshuva, repentance. The
month of Av, is a propitious time for calamity. The month
of Nisan is the propitious time for geulah, redemption.
The Hebrew word Chodesh, month, is related to the
Hebrew word chadash, which means new, obviously,
related to the fact that the new moon appears at the beginning
of the month. Chodesh also emphasizes renewal,
renaissance, and rebuilding. The dark, cold winter has
come to end, and spring blossoms forth with hope and promise.
The festival of Passover reflects that hope as well.
Eliyahu
KiTov, writes in his landmark work, "The Book of
Our Heritage":
Our sages tell us that the word redemption applies only
to one who emerges from darkness into light. One who has
never experienced the suffering of bondage and oppression
cannot appreciate redemption. The very essence of redemption
is the freedom which comes from the oppression itself.
Had the children of Israel never been enslaved, they would
never have experienced true freedom. Once they were enslaved,
the slavery itself gave rise to the redemption, and from
the midst of the darkness the light burst forth. Thus
said our sages: "The Israelites said to the Holy
One, Blessed be He, ‘Oh Lord of the universe when
will You deliver us?' The Holy One, Blessed be He answered:
‘When you will have reached the lowest steps, at
that moment I will redeem you.'" (Yalkut Hashea 533,
cited by KiTov, page 121.)
KiTov
provides examples of how our people rise up from the depths
of despair. When Yitzchak was born, the people of the
world said that he is destined to be a slave because of
the promise of G-d to Abraham that "your children
will be slaves in a land which is not theirs." Instead
Yitzchak became the father of the great nation and the
free people.
When
Yitzchak was bound on the altar it seemed as if there
would be no future to Abraham, and that his progeny would
perish from off the face of the earth. And yet, Yitzchak
survived to have his own children and to preserve life
for future generations.
When
Yaakov put on the garments of his brother Esau, he was
afraid that his father would discover his deception, which
would bring a curse upon him rather than a blessing. Despite
the deception, Yaakov was blessed for all generations.
And
so, points out KiTov, "In the long history of Israel,
troubles and dark sorrows became the basis for salvation
and light. In fact," says KiTov, "the darker
the troubles, the greater was the light which came forth
afterwards."
Nisan
is the month of redemption. G-d has made Nisan the month
and the time of salvation. The redemption will burst forth
from the midst of darkness, and as we tremble to the point
of despair, the glory of G-d will shine forth.
There
is a special Psalm which Jews recite on the Sabbath day.
The psalmist, in Psalm 92, writes: "L'hagid ba'boker
chas'deh'cha, veh'emunat'cha ba'laylot." We speak
of G-d's loving-kindness in the morning, and of His faithfulness
at night. In the morning, when everything is bright and
shiny it's easy to speak of G-d's loving-kindness. At
night, in the dread of darkness, it is very difficult
to see any light emanating from G-d, and almost impossible
to express a sense of hopefulness. That is why throughout
the night we must rely on "Emmunah,"
faith.
These
past months of Intifada II has been a period of great
darkness for the Jewish people. Not only because so many
Jewish and even non-Jewish soldiers and civilians have
been victims of the savagery of the Palestinians, but
because our own people have been forced to act cruelly
in order to insure even basic security.
While
it is very difficult in times such as these to see light,
we need to be strong and speak of G-d's faithfulness in
this night.
We
pray, that the month of Nisan, that begins next week,
will usher in a season of renewal--renewal of spirit,
renewal of courage, renewal of faithfulness, and a renewal
of peace. We pray that the enemies of our people will
see the light in this month of Nisan. May they desire
goodness for their children, as we desire for ours. May
they lay down their swords, and pick up their pruning
hooks. May we all plant in joy and reap together in happiness.
May
you be blessed.
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