Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Today is the 1st of Iyar. Here are five items regarding the month that begins today:
1. It is customary to say that the word "Iyar" is an abbreviation: Aleph - Ani (I am); double yud - HaShem; Reish - Rofecha (your Healer). This month is considered the month of healing for both body and soul. Our commentators explain that the Nation of Israel went out from Egyptian slavery in the month of Nissan and went through a proces of healing and renewal in the month of Iyar.
2. An additional name for the month of Iyar is "Ziv" (radiance). It is given this name because of the buds and flowers that begin to open and display their radiant beauty in the spring months. Another explanation is that our forefathers - Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov - were born in the month of Nissan and Iyar was the first complete month in which their radiance and light were revealed to the world.
3. And here's another source of light that shines radiantly this month: On the 18th of Iyar we observe Lag BaOmer, the day of "the Hidden Torah" (Jewish Mysticism),the day that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai passed away. And a less familiar detail: On the 14th of Iyar, we celebrate "Pesach Sheini." In the Sinai Desert, whoever was unable to celebrate the first Seder night ,asked for and was given an additional opportunity to celebrate Pesach a month later. In the middle of the month of Iyar, this day became one of rectification, of getting a second chance to make up for what was missed the first time.
4. And in our generation: On the 5th of Iyar, 5708 (1948), the State of Israel was established and on the 28th of Iyar, 5727 (1967), the City of Jerusalem was liberated.
5. The month of Iyar possesses a special quality unique among all the months of the year: In this month, each day is associated with a mitzvah, that of Sefirat HaOmer (counting the Omer). Although we begin counting the Omer in the middle of the month of Nissan and we finish on the festival of Shavuot in the month of Sivan, it is only in the month of Iyar that each day is counted. Thus, it is a month that assists us in appreciating the value of each day and in utilizing our time to the fullest. Iyar is a reminder that each day is important and unique unto itself.
Have a good and blessed month!
