LUNAR LESSON

Dear Family,

I hope that everyone is well.

Mazal Tov to the Davidoff Family in North Hollywood who have 2 upcoming birthdays this week. Mazal Tov Hirshy. Wishing you a year of much livelihood, and with much joy and nachas from all your Family BEH. And Mazal Tov to Sophia whose birthday is 2 days later. Wishing you to continue giving your parents much nachas, and that you should continue developing into a beautiful eidel meidel.

I heard an amusing story this week from Rabbi Gordon, based on the MOON OF ROSH CHODESH.

The Sedra of Pinchas is famous for containing all the Mussaf Maftir Readings that we say on ROSH CHODESH, Shabbos and the other Yom Tovim.

Rashi, on V28:15 brings down a Medrash from Gemorra Chulin, discussing the SUN AND THE MOON in relation to the Offerings of Rosh Chodesh:

At Creation the sun and moon were created with equal power. So the moon came and complained to Hashem about this equal strength saying that 2 Kings cannot rule together with 1 crown. So Hashem reduced the power of the moon, and it now had to receive its light from the sun.

It is also known that the sun represents the Nations of the world, and the moon represents the Jewish People (we go by the Lunar Calendar)

Therefore Rosh Chodesh and the moon also reflect our diminished state, and the suffering that we are experiencing through the ages, while we are in Exile.

And when Mashiach comes, the moon will be restored to its full initial glory. Which means that the Jewish people will be restored to their greatness, as at the time of Shlomo HaMelech (when the Temple stood) and even more so.

The mentioned story took place in the village of Dokshitz (where Rabbi Gordons father came from) in the 1920's or 30's when there was tremendous poverty, etc, and was about this old pious Chassidic Jew standing outside of his broken down shack, in the mud at night, saying Kiddush Levanah (Sanctifying the Moon, which we do soon after the New Moon every month)

And he is saying "..that Hashem should restore the moon to its former glory, as at the time of Creation." (which is part of the prayer)

Along comes a modern , liberal minded young Jew who mockingly says to the Chassid along the lines of ".you old, foolish Jew. All over the world, Jews are being persecuted. There is so much poverty, war, illness and difficulties. And you are living in this broken down shack. And what are you praying for - "that Hashem should bring the moon back to its original size and power?!!"

The old wise Chassid answered, that when the moon is restored to its original glory, (ie with the coming of Mashiach), there will no longer be any wars, poverty, persecution, illness, tragedies, anti semitism, etc. !!

May it be speedily in our days, even during these 3 weeks of mourning.

Gut Shabbos to all!