So, while Hashem is controlling the cycle of the moon up in the heavens, He creates a partnership with the people by giving man control over the determination of Jewish time. The immense power given through this Mitzvah presents such a strong message to a people emerging from under Egyptian rule. As slaves, the people were completely powerless and at the whim of their masters. Now they are being empowered and are invited to serve as partners with G-d.

In “Reflections of the Rav,” Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik suggests that the fundamental difference between a free person and a slave is the control of time. Through the Mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh, Hashem is handing control of time over to the people. Your time now belongs to you, and you have the incredible power and responsibility to fill your time wisely and control your destiny.

This idea is also reflected in the text of the Pesach Haggadah. The Ba’al Haggadah suggests that perhaps we should begin the Mitzvah of retelling the story of leaving Egypt from Rosh Chodesh Nissan rather than from Erev Pesach, as many of the commentators believe that this was the beginning of the redemption. Rav Yitzchak Mirsky explains that this is because the Mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh was given on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Once the people gained control over their own time, they began their transition from slavery to freedom.

With the busyness of our day-to-day lives and the constant pulls at our time, it is easy to get caught up and fall into the many distractions which come our way. This first Mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh serves as a reminder to us that our time is in our hands, and it is up to us to choose to infuse our lives with meaning and purpose.

Shabbat Shalom, 

Mrs. Ora Davies