A large part of our Parsha this week deals with what we call Moadim. These Pesukim deal with the various holidays we have in the Jewish calendar. In fact, we read this section on both Sukkot and Pesach (much to the delight of Simeon Migdal who is “Volun-told” to Lein those days).
Moed in Hebrew means a fixed time. Our calendar (as it is set now) has fixed times for celebrations and ritual observances. While there are so many variations in how our Chagim fall during the year, each with its own set of unique detail, the idea is the same. Pesach and its Mitzvot are in Nissan in the spring. Rosh Hashanah and the month of Chagim are always in Tishrei etc.
Consistency is a good thing for a community they revolves around ritual. We know when to prepare and when to observe the many rich traditions we are blessed to be able to observe. At the same time, the variations give us the ability to see things anew without falling into patterns of rote, meaningless behavior.
The excitement of Moadim keeps us alive and well. Our job is to appreciate the gifts we are given each year in the Jewish calendar.
Shabbat Shalom
