The last of the four special supplementary Torah readings will be heard this Shabbat in synagogues throughout the world. It is called Parshat Hachodesh and it relates the first mitzvah given to the Jewish People.

This mitzvah- kidush hachodesh – forms the basis of the Hebrew calendar. Moshe was commanded to sanctify each month when the moon that had not been visible in the sky reappears as the “new moon”.

The Hebrew month is called chodesh, which also means new. But it is not only the visibility of the moon that is new for the Jewish People. “This chodesh”, said the Creator, “is for you.” The subtle message is that the ability to renew our energies is also a unique gift to Jewry.

When the current elections are over will be getting a new parliament and a new government. It is to be hoped that the elected leaders will utilize the ability to effect a new turn in the affairs of the country and return to the old, traditional Torah values which will secure Israel forever.

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