ranslation by Yehoshua Siskin
1. Today is the first of the month of Nissan which, according to the Torah, marks the beginning of the year. As God says to Moses and Aharon just prior to the Exodus, "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year." Although we celebrate the new year on Rosh Hashanah, the actual counting of the months of the year (in accordance with the holidays) begins with Nissan. Shana tova!
2. The ancient word "Nissan" is derived from the word "nitzan" or bud. The holiday of Peach later this month is a celebration of the arrival of spring. This is an opportunity to recognize potential growth and flowering, both in nature and in ourselves. The Exodus from Egypt, Rav Kook wrote, will forever remain the springtime of the entire world.
3. Our Sages associate Nissan with “ness” or miracle and, indeed, this is the month of miracles. The Exodus from Egypt reminds us not to accept the reality in front of us as immutable. Everything can suddenly change for the better, with God's help.
4. The “Bsisa” custom of Tunisian and Libyan Jews is held on the 1st Nissan at home. A mixture made from almonds, dates, sugar, oil, and other ingredients is prepared and eaten. An abundance of prayers and blessings are recited to open the gates of prosperity, health, and good tidings.
5. The prayers on the 1st of every Hebrew month include: Hallel or a special prayer of praise consisting of psalms of praise, a mussaf or additional Amidah prayer, the addition of "Ya'aleh Veyavo" to each Amidah prayer and Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals) blessing, and others. Of course, the main event associated with Nissan is our redemption from Egypt, as is our future and final redemption. As stated in the Talmud: "In Nissan we were redeemed -- and in Nissan we will be redeemed in the future."
Have a good month.
