Jewish People and the Moon

This week we begin the Book of Shemot, that describes the slavery in Egypt and the exodus. The Jewish people went from prosperity to bondage. They went from the sin of the Golden Calf to the construction of the Mishkan.

The first Mitzva given in Egypt was the establishment of the lunar calendar. The significance of following the moon, is that it is a reflection on our history.

Like the Jewish people, the moon has its time when it is full and strong. But there are other times when it wanes and is barely seen.

We have seen periods of light and periods of darkness. We must learn from this how we deal with those difficult times in our lives.

The Baal Shem Tov taught us that we must never despair during our dark times. The troubled times help mold and shape us. We eventually realize that everything is for the best. Medicine might taste bitter, but it ultimately heals.

As a people, we have gone through so much over the generations. Thankfully, we are now in the period of Redemption as we have witnessed a rebirth of our people as we have come home to Israel. The best is yet to come!