You might think it's all divinely ordained, etched in stone... but the answer, according to some fascinating interpretations, is a little more nuanced, a little more… us.
Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus, offers a stunning perspective on the verse, "This month shall be for you" (Exodus 12:2). It's more than just a calendar instruction, it’s a delegation of authority!
The story begins with the ministering angels, those celestial beings who, according to tradition, constantly sing God’s praises. They approach the Holy One, blessed be He, with a question: "Master of the universe, when are You going to set the festivals?" They're essentially asking, "What’s the divine schedule?"
Their question, according to Shemot Rabbah, echoes the verse in Daniel (4:14): "The matter came about by the decree of the messengers, [the question by the word of the holy ones]." Here, "the messengers" and "the holy ones" are understood to be the angels themselves, eager to know the timetable for sacred celebrations.
God’s response is surprising. He tells them, "I and you will ratify what Israel decides and [how they] intercalate the year." Intercalate? That means adding an extra month (Adar II) to the Jewish calendar in leap years to keep the lunar cycle aligned with the solar cycle. God is saying, "I'll confirm what you decide."
He cites Psalms 57:3, "I call to God Most High, to God who completes for me," suggesting that God relies on Israel to "complete" the calendar. And then He points to Leviticus 23:37, "These are the festivals of the Lord [that you shall proclaim them] holy convocations…" The key words? "You [shall proclaim them]."
The implication is powerful. Whether the timing seems "proper" or not, God declares, "I have no festivals other than these." He’s entrusting the decision-making to Israel!
The Holy One, blessed be He, then turns to Israel directly, saying, "In the past, it was in My hands, as it is stated: 'He made the moon for the festivals…' (Psalms 104:19)," referencing the lunar basis of the Jewish calendar. But, He continues, "from here onward, it is given into your hands and is your prerogative; if you say yes, yes, if you say no, no. In any case, 'this month shall be for you.'"
In other words, the authority to determine the calendar, to decide when the holidays fall, is now in Israel's hands. Moreover, "if you seek to intercalate the year I will confirm it for you."
This interpretation of "This month shall be for you" is truly remarkable. It highlights a partnership between the divine and the human, a collaboration in shaping sacred time. It's not just about following a pre-ordained schedule; it's about actively participating in the rhythm of the Jewish year.
What does this mean for us today? Perhaps it’s a reminder that Judaism isn't just a set of rules handed down from on high. It's a living tradition, shaped by our choices, our interpretations, and our commitment to engaging with the divine. We have a role to play in defining our relationship with time, with holiness, and with God. So, next time you celebrate a Jewish holiday, remember that, in a way, you helped decide when it would be.