2022/5782
“Hachodesh HaZeh Lachem Rosh Chadashim” (Shemot 12:2), This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months. Bnei Yisrael, at the apex of their preparations for Yetzi’at Mitzrayim, are commanded to do the Mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh. The Mitzvah every month to establish the incoming month and determine the future calendar. One is left bewildered. What is the nature of this Mitzvah? What does it have to do with Sefer Shemot and Yetzi’at Mitzrayim?
In addressing the second question, the Seforno writes that the ability to control the calendar is the ultimate manifestation of freedom. Bnei Yisrael is no longer controlled by Mitzraim’s schedule, they are free.
The Ramban takes a different approach. Although this Pasuk is referring to the Mitzvah of Kiddush Hachodesh, it is also referring to the order of those months. The Ramban explains that since the Jewish nation was formed in the month of Nisan when they left Mtizraim, it is fit to command them now to start the order of the months from Nisan.
Whether one takes the approach of the Ramban or the Seforno, one is still left with the question of what is the nature of the Mitzvah of Kiddush Hachodesh?
When pondering the reason behind a Mitzvah, one first looks at the Sefer Hachinuch. The Sefer Hachinuch explains that Bnei Yisrael is obligated to establish the months for the Holidays fall out at the right time. Kiddush Hachodesh is the prelude to the other Mitzvot that we are commanded. This may also explain question two. Since we were about to be commanded about Pesach and its laws, we first needed the Mitzvah of Kiddush Hachodesh.
In addition to the approaches laid out above, many have offered various suggestions. However, Rav Gedaliah Schorr (Ohr Gedaliyah on the Moadim) based on a Mahara”l explains that although the new moon is a naturally occurring event, it indicates a change in the heavenly spheres. The power of renewal is expressed by the lunar cycle. Therefore, on Rosh Chodesh we have the ability to change, to become new people. This message is important for us to realize every month, as we can all use some improvement, but the apex of this message was at the exodus. Bnei Yisrael completely transformed themselves with the bringing of the Korban Pesach. In fact, the Mechilta suggests that every new convert should bring a Korban Pesach due to its transformative properties. Bnei Yisrael was finally about to be formed. The ultimate prelude to this was the Mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, the Mitzvah to recognize and actualize the power of renewal.