Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Rosh Chodesh Sivan – ראש חדש סיון

We are entering the Hebrew month of Sivan - ראש חדש סיון. Since the last month had 29 days it is celebrated only one day this month which has 30 days. Sivan is the third month of the year as Torah describes it. The first day of Sivan the people encamped at Mt. Sinai preparing to receive the Torah. The verb form of encamped is singular pointing to the fact the people behaved as one, not fragmented by contention. For Torah to be merited and received the people were as one; united as husband and wife are in marriage when it is healthy. The first bringing down of Torah is at Shavout. Moshe's seconding bringing down of Torah comes later at Yom Kippur. The Torah being given is compared to the instrument of betrothal of husband and wife (legal binding agreement between the spouses and the husband's responsibilities toward his wife). Rosh Chodesh Sivan is considered to be a propitious time for covenanting harmony and peace among Israel, mankind and the Most High. Families are taking a beating today. Rosh Chodesh Sivan gives back to parents, children, families and their relationships. In the 17th century, the chief rabbi of Jerusalem wrote a prayer that religious schools in Israel send home to their families still today. It is a prayer for parents to offer to the Most High for their...