Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Shabbat HaChodesh / Sabbath [of the] month

Shabbat HaChodesh ("Sabbath [of the] month" שבת החודש) precedes the first of the Hebrew month of Nisan during which Passover is celebrated. Shemot / Exodus 12:1-20 and the laws of Passover. On the first day of Abib / Nisan, God presented the first commandment to the children of Israel as to how to "sanctify the new moon" for the onset of Rosh Chodesh and thus Nisan becomes the first month of the Jewish year (counting by months.). The readings for this Parasha are meant to be for preparation for Pesach, and discusses various commandments related to the holiday, including the Paschal offering, bitter herbs, Matzah, and the Seder. This portion begins with the instruction to create a lunar calendar, (the first commandment given to the Hebrews  as a nation,) giving the portion its name. Shabbat Hachodesh was instituted by our sages to remind Jews throughout the ages that [...]