Thursday, Iyar 1, 5784 / May 7, 2024 (16th day of the Omer)

Today is the second day Rosh Chodesh of the new Hebrew month Iyar. The mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh was given to the Jewish people, while still in Egypt, as they were getting ready for the Exodus. 

Q.   Why is Rosh Chodesh so significant?

A.   Rosh Chodesh is based on the lunar cycle, which is a monthly cycle.  At the end of every month the moon is not visible.  When the moon reappears, that day is Rosh Chodesh.

Rosh Chodesh is a sign of hope for the Jewish people.  It reminds us that no matter what hardships we may encounter, we will always resurface and shine again, just like the moon.

Rabbi Meir Shapiro was a legend in pre-Second World War Poland.  He built the famous Chachmei Lublin Yeshiva, in Lublin, Poland.  Young men, with exceptional minds, from all over Europe, were the students of his yeshiva.  He initiated the daily study of Daf Yomi – a page of Talmud daily.  Rabbi Meir Shapiro was also a member in the Polish parliament.  In addition to his many achievements, Rabbi Shapiro was also known for his wonderful wit and humor.

With a population of three million Yiddish speaking Jews in Poland, there were many Jewish newspapers in the Yiddish language, printed there. There was a newspaper called the “Moment;” another one was called “Heint” (Today) and one of a religious nature was called, “Der Yid” (the Jew).

One day, walking by a newsstand, Rabbi Shapiro asked for “Der Yid.”  The proprietor said to Rabbi Shapiro, “Why do you want Der Yid?  Why don’t you buy the more sophisticated papers, like the “Moment” or the “Heint?”  In fact, you see that “Der Yid” is all the way on the bottom of the pile, beneath the “Heint” and the “Moment!”

“But I insist on buying “Der Yid!” said Rabbi Shapiro. The proprietor bent down and pulled out Der Yid from the bottom of the pile and handed it to Rabbi Shapiro. “I’m very curious,” he said to the Rabbi, “Why did you insist on buying “Der Yid?”  After all, this newspaper has a small circulation and is of lesser quality than the other newspapers.  In fact, you see that I keep “Der Yid” all the way at the bottom.

Rabbi Shapiro smiled and replied, “Look at the names of the other papers: Heint means Today, and Moment, is a moment.  The moment will be gone in a moment and the Heint will be gone in a day.  But Der Yid, at this moment and today may be at the bottom… However.in the end, Der Yid (The Jew) will rise to the top!”

This is why Rosh Chodesh is so significant for the Jewish people. It reminds us that although in the moment and today we may experience difficulties and hardships, but in the end, with G-d’s help, we will regain our full light and shine. May it be very soon. May we merit the coming of Moshiach NOW.

UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & CHODESH-MONTH