Parashat HaChodesh & Erev Pesach: The Power of Gratitude, Renewal, and Miracles (2019)

Good morning, everyone. As we stand on the cusp of Pesach, with Parashat HaChodesh before us, a powerful message of gratitude and renewal emerges. This message is especially poignant given the challenges many are facing, reminding us that even amidst chaos, there is profound blessing.

A New Beginning: Nissan, Redemption, and Renewal

Parashat HaChodesh begins with Hashem telling Moshe and Aharon, "HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem Rosh Chodashim" – "This month [Nissan] shall be for you the head of all months." This marks the first mitzvah given to Klal Yisrael as a nation. Why does it not start with Bereishit (creation) or Matan Torah (giving of the Torah)?

• "HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem": This phrase emphasizes that the calendar, and thus time itself, is now in our hands. It empowers us to sanctify time, to make it holy. No longer are we slaves to Pharaoh; we are masters of our destiny, able to consecrate the new moon and set the festivals.

• A Constant Renewal: Every new month, every Rosh Chodesh, is a moment of spiritual renewal. It's an opportunity to press the reset button, to reconnect with Hashem. This is particularly vital in Nissan, the month of redemption, where we commemorate our liberation from Egypt.

Miracles: Hidden and Revealed

The Maggid of Dubno used to explain the verse "V'Niflimu" (and they were concealed) regarding the Passover offering's blood on the doorposts. This refers to the hidden miracles that often occur in our lives. We sometimes attribute success to our own efforts, forgetting the divine hand. Pesach reminds us of both Nisim Geluyim (revealed miracles) and Nisim Nistarim (hidden miracles).

• The Seder Plate: Two Matzot: The Midrash explains the two Matzot on the Seder plate. One represents the "bread of affliction," the other, the Matzah that fell from heaven – a testament to Hashem's sustenance even in the desert. We must see Hashem's intervention in everything, from the overtly miraculous to the seemingly mundane.

• Pesach, Mitzrayim, and Bread: The word Pesach is connected to "mouth." The Haggadah asks, "Why did we merit redemption?" Because we did not speak Lashon Hara (evil speech) in Egypt. When we guard our mouths, we are worthy of redemption.

Gratitude: A Daily Obligation

Pesach is a profound time to cultivate Hakarat HaTov – gratitude. We are commanded to be thankful for every kindness, large or small.

• The Rebbe and President Reagan: After an assassination attempt, the Rebbe sent President Reagan a letter, promising prayers for his recovery. Reagan, defying White House protocol, personally responded, attributing his recovery to the Rebbe's prayers. The Skulener Rebbe would cite this, emphasizing our duty to thank all who help us.

• "Ashrei... Tehilat Hashem Yedaber Pi" – "Fortunate... the praise of Hashem my mouth shall speak." We must constantly thank Hashem for all the good He bestows upon us. Even amidst the hectic Pesach preparations, we should appreciate our ability to act, to give, to help others. We have so much to be grateful for.

Renewal: Beyond the Cleaning

Pesach clean-up is intense, but its deeper meaning is spiritual renewal – discarding our inner chametz (leavened bread, symbolizing arrogance and inflated ego) and embracing the humility of Matzah.

• From Slavery to Freedom: The narrative of Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus from Egypt) is not just history; it's a blueprint for our personal liberation from all constraints.

• "Chochmah Mi'Ayin Timatzei?" – "Wisdom, from where is it found?" The Chochmas HaGoyim (wisdom of the nations) is external, while Torah wisdom is internal, transforming the soul. Pesach reminds us to focus on the eternal, the spiritual.

May each of us be blessed with Chodesh Tov, a good month of Nissan, and a wonderful Shabbos. May we be Zocheh (merit) moments of true spiritual