With this week's sedra we encounter the first mitzvah given to the Jewish People. In Exodus 12:2, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites "This month is to be to you the first month in the (cycle of) months of the year." In other words, even though the calendar year may start in the month of Tishre in the fall, the cycle of months begins with the month of Nisan in the spring.
In essence we mark the beginning of Creation in Tishre and the beginning of Jewish Peoplehood in Nisan.
The sedra actually begins with the eighth plague sent by God against Egypt: Locusts. It is in connection with the tenth and final plague, the Slaying of the First Born, where we read about the laws concerning the Seder and how Pesach was to be celebrated in Egypt for that very first time.
So our Torah Reading combines the final stage in the Rescue of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and the practice of Divine Commandments (mitzvot).
The marking of the Beginning of Creation at one time of the year and marking of the Beginning of the Jewish People at another time reflect the two foundations of Jewish belief and practice. We are talking about a sense of appreciation and admiration of the Creator of the Universe which would prompt any person to willingly serve his or her Creator, and the sense in which the Jewish people are uniquely obligated to show a higher degree of loyalty and a commitment to serve God in appreciation for rescuing them from a life of wretched slavery.
It's a profound way to discover a purpose in the way a person lives.
It's a delight to share a birthday with a friend. It's a double pleasure when your friends happen to be twins! This Shabbat morning we will experience the joy in sharing the birthday of Bea Borenstein and Lee Novit along with their families. Bea's late husband Fred remains close to our hearts. (I can still see the smile that would come to his face when he would reflect on a cute story or on one of life's ironies.) We're so glad that Lee and her husband Bill were able to come to Saint Louis from their home in Charleston, SC to be here for the celebration. We'll also be able to welcome their children and grandchildren as well as other family members and friends for this wonderful simcha.
Bea has been an active participant in our daily minyan. She attends every Shabbat morning and more often than not for Kabbalat and Motz'ei Shabbat as well as the Shabbat afternoon Talmud Class. Bea's warm and positive disposition touches everyone who meets her. Bea's twin sister and brother-in-law, Lee and Bill are equally involved in their congregation in Charleston and both of them make a point to join Bea whenever they're in town. May God grant Bea, Lee and Bill many more years in health and strength, and may they continue to derive much naches from their families.
...and may the light of this Shabbat bring you and those you cherish much joy and peace!
Rabbi Mordecai Miller
