We're about to dive into a fascinating idea about that connection – the power of Israel to actually consecrate time itself.

The verse from Exodus 12:2, "This month shall be for you," is more than just a calendar marker. According to Shemot Rabbah, it’s an invitation to participate in something truly special. When someone sees the new moon, how should they offer a blessing? There were different rabbinic opinions. Some said, "Blessed...who renews months." Others, "Who consecrates months." But a particularly powerful view stated, "Who consecrates Israel, since if Israel does not consecrate it, the consecration is nothing."

Think about that for a second. The consecration of the month hinges on the actions of Israel. It might seem like a bold claim, but the text anticipates our skepticism. "Do not wonder about this," it urges.

The idea is that God consecrated Israel, as it is written: “You shall be holy to Me, as I, the Lord, am holy” (Leviticus 20:26). Because Israel is consecrated to Heaven, what they consecrate is consecrated. It's a reciprocal relationship.

To illustrate, the Shemot Rabbah uses the example of the Tabernacle and its vessels. Moses consecrated the Tabernacle and its vessels initially. But what about new vessels introduced later? Could Moses come back and re-consecrate them each time? Of course not! Instead, a priest would place a sacred item – perhaps blood for the altar, libation wine, or a meal offering – into the new vessel. The very act of containing something sacred, something set apart, would consecrate the vessel itself. If a non-sacred vessel becomes consecrated when filled with the sacred, how much more so can Israel, who are already sacred, consecrate the month?

The Holy One, blessed be He, doesn’t need us to sanctify time for Himself. As we find in Shemot Rabbah, God said: "I am sacred; do I sanctify for Myself? Rather, I sanctify Israel and they sanctify Me." It's a divine partnership, a sacred dance. As the text emphasizes, citing Leviticus 20:26, “You shall be holy to Me,” and Leviticus 21:8, “for I am the Lord who sanctifies you.”

And it's not just about the past. Even David recognized this dynamic, proclaiming, “You, enthroned upon the praises of Israel, are holy” (Psalms 22:4). He understood that the holiness of God is intertwined with the praises and actions of Israel.

So, when did this all begin? When did Israel first begin to consecrate the month? In Egypt. That's the significance of the verse we started with: "This month shall be for you." Even in the depths of slavery, the power to shape time, to sanctify it, was placed in their hands. The Sages in Shemot Rabbah are revealing that the power to consecrate the moment, the month, the year, is within us.

Think about the implications. It's not just about following a calendar. It's about actively participating in the sacred rhythm of time. It’s a reminder that we, through our actions and intentions, can bring holiness into the world. So, the next time you see the new moon, remember the power you hold – the power to consecrate, to sanctify, to make time itself holy.