Rosh Chodesh is the two day period in the diaspora, (one day in Israel) welcoming the new month as the new moon appears.  The Torah refers to it as the second month when counting from the month of Nissan. In Melachim 1(Kings 1) 6:1 Ziv’s connotation is radiance or light.  The sun is is beginning to shine and warms the earth  without the intensity of summer this time of the year.  The Targums translates ziv to nitzan as Ziv (bud), while Iyar is the Babylonia name.  The name Ziv opens up many meanings and possibilities in this month.

Iyar, the second month, or Ziv is the time when the Israelites had left Mitzrayim (Egypt) and HaShem was preparing them to receive the Torah.  The trees and vegetation was beginning to bud coming into spring and it’s new life as the Israelites were as well.  It is told by the rabbis that the Israelites were being healed of the mentality of slaves to prepare them for receiving Torah.  From this it is deduced this month is also a month of healing of healing and inner freedom each generation.  The holy days, times, and rituals are not only for the generation of the Exodus.  They are for each generation!

The first Rosh Chodesh of Iyar fell on Shabbat.   This was when the people were encamped at Meribah and found only bitter water to drink.  It was HaShem’s word to Moshe telling him to throw the rod into the water which transformed the bitter to sweet water.  As we recognize the Most High’s sovereignty, HaShem’s mercy, kindness, and love for the people and us we begin to know emunah (belief, trust, faith).  As we know the Holy One, Blessed Be He, emunah inform all of who we are, that B”H (Baruch HaShem, or Praise the Name), all is well.  At that point emunah teaches our mind, heart, thinking that the bitter experiences the Most High can be transformed by HaShem’s word to sweetness in our lives. 

This month be aware of the opportunities for the Most High to sweeten the bitter waters in your life.  Each day take take note of the mercies of HaShem present and knowing the Most High awaits people coming in prayer times and personal prayer before him with all of their life.  Nothing of this world is outside of HaShem’s concern and mercy.  The opportunity this month is one to come near and know the Most High and prepare to receive His Torah and the Promise of the Father as we wait counting up the Omer.

Rachel Rut

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