It’s found within Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus.
Imagine a king, overflowing with riches. Not just money, but gold, silver, precious gems, pearls… a treasure beyond imagining. But he has only one son, his pride and joy.
While the son is young, the king holds everything close. He manages it all, keeps it safe. The son may admire the riches, but he doesn't yet possess them. He isn't ready.
But then the son grows. He matures, becomes an adult, proves himself capable. And the king? He says, "My son, when you were young, I kept everything. But now that you are a man, everything is given to you."
What does this have to do with us? With the Jewish people? Well, the story is an analogy, a mashal, for our relationship with God.
The Shemot Rabbah connects this parable to the verse: "And they will be for signs, and for festivals" (Genesis 1:14). This verse speaks about the celestial bodies – the sun, moon, and stars – and how they mark time, seasons, and festivals. Initially, the Holy One, blessed be He, held all of these things. He kept everything.
As long as we, the children of Israel, were "young," in a sense, God held onto these things. He kept track of the calendar, the festivals, the sacred times. He orchestrated the rhythm of the universe.
But then, Israel "arose." We matured as a people. And what happened then? God gave us everything. He entrusted us with the responsibility, the honor, of marking time, of observing the festivals, of connecting with the sacred.
This moment of divine entrustment is symbolized by the verse: "This month shall be for you" (Exodus 12:2). This is the very first commandment given to the Israelites as a nation. It's not about building an ark, or sacrificing an animal. It's about taking ownership of time, of the sacred calendar. “This month” – Rosh Chodesh, the new moon – becomes ours to determine, ours to sanctify.
Think about that. We, the descendants of Abraham and Sarah, the people who were once enslaved in Egypt, are now given the power to define our own sacred moments. We are given the keys to the calendar, the rhythm of our spiritual lives. It's a profound responsibility, and an incredible gift.
So the next time you feel like you're waiting for your turn, remember this story. Remember that there's a time for everything, a season for growth and preparation. And remember that when you are ready, when you have "arisen," the blessings, the responsibilities, and the gifts will be given to you. The treasures will be yours.