Torah offers each of us recipes for life

Hachodesh Ex. 12:1-20

In addition to the parshiyot we will read this coming Shabbat, Vayakhel and Pikudei, we also read a passage from Parshat Bo in the book of Exodus marking the Shabbat as Parshat Hachodesh.

Parshat Hachodesh is the fourth of four special readings chanted every year from before Purim until Passover. The four readings are:

• Parshat Shekalim (Ex. 30:11-16) This invited all Jews to contribute a half shekel to a community fund.

• Parshat Zachor (Dt. 25:17-19) This reminds us of our ancient enemy Amalek and how they endeavored to destroy us when we left Egypt.

• Parshat Parah (Nu. 19:1-22) This teaches of the Divine purification process of the Red Heifer.

• Parhsat Hachodesh (Ex. 12:1- 20) Ushers in the redemptive month of Nissan and recalls the first mitzvah G-d ever commanded us nationally—the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh—consecrating the New Moon each month.

There is a unique formula encrypted in the reading of these passages that prepares us each year for the festival of redemption and freedom—Passover.

The first ingredient necessary for a nation to emerge is unity. Therefore, a half shekel symbolizing our dependency one to another was collected (we do it today as well) from all Jewish families in order to bind together as one.

The second ingredient to this recipe is learning and appreciating our history and destiny. The original Zachor was for Amalek, the historic predecessor to Haman and Hitler.

The third ingredient is spiritual preparation. In biblical times, this meant the sacrifice of the Red Heifer. In our times, it means introspection, repentance and increased piety, prayer, study and kindness to actualize oneself as a Jew.

Finally after national unity, a review of our history and individual pursuits of purification, it is time to sanctify “time” as well. Judaism teaches that in addition to people, objects and places achieving holiness, time may also be sanctified. That is one of the lessons of Shabbat, holidays, brit milah and bar and bat mitzvah—the time itself is holy.

This year, as we approach the great festival of Passover, let’s employ this spiritual formula to help us prepare.

• Give to your favorite charity.

• Review the biblical account of our Exodus from Egypt.

• Choose one or two areas of life to strive towards improvement.

• Sanctify holy time—set aside special time for the important pursuits in your life—i.e. spirituality.

King Solomon writes in Proverbs 3:18: “Etz Chaim Hee Lamachazikim Bah—The Torah is a Tree of Life for those that grasp onto it.” The Torah is replete with sage wisdom and advice how to live our lives to the fullest.

Shabbat Shalom. .

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