Reply To: Short & Sweet

Bo: Constant Renewal

R’ Samson Raphael Hirsch points out that the core identity of the Jewish people was forged in a situation which would have caused most nations to completely forget who they are; in the darkness and difficultly of slavery and genocide. He opines that overcoming this near-death experience in the infancy of our nation is what allowed us to survive thousands of years of hardship without abandoning our identity as Hashem’s chosen people.

Perhaps we can suggest that this message is hinted to in the very first mitzva that Bnei Yisroel received. One of the messages of קידוש החודש is even when what little light we have to guide us through the night seems to have disappeared, we are certain it will return. And no matter how much the light of Klal Yisroel may be dimmed by the darkness of Galus, we know that we will be able to shine brightly once again.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
לע״נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר’ בןציון שלום