One of the first instructions God gives to the Hebrews in the Torah is how to mark time. The Hebrews are instructed to bless the new moon to kickoff each month. You might think that a moon tribe, surrounded by sun people might choose to mark the Calendar by the full moon, when the moon’s power is at its zenith. Instead, we scan for a tiny sliver of light when the sky is near its darkest to make our blessing.
This is the first mitzvah offered to the Hebrews so what essential message do the Chassidic Masters read here?
Rebbe Nachman’s teaching on the subject is written in Likutei Moharan by his student Reb Natan and it’s one of my all time favorites. I paraphrase:
In the full moon phases of our lives it’s easy to connect with gratitude and offer praise. When things work out, and our goals come to fruition these positive emotions overflow through us. Once we get what we want it’s easy to give thanks and connect with a feeling of trust.
Of course, The opposite is also true. When our hopes and dreams seem far off and all the signs seem to indicate in the opposite direction of our desire, the darkness of doubt spreads. Our negativity bias becomes confirmed and curses can flood the mind.
Just ask a fair-weathered sports fan after a loss, or a liberal minded voter after an election like this one.
It can be so hard to conjure a blessing in these dark moments, but it is exactly this defiant act of faith I hear from the Chassidic Masters as they explain the instruction to bless the new moon. After all, darkness is the most fertile place to plant a seed.
I’ve found this to be so potent in my own personal practice. When I’m confronted by doubt and my internal demons are on parade, that glimpse of the new moon in my mind’s eye can be the biggest blessing. If I can remember that it’s precisely when things seem darkest that we bless the light of the new moon it can work just like the Hanukiah, positivity kindles a spark and the temple of my true intentions can be rededicated.
In the midst of this dark season, where spring feels almost impossible, may we nurture tiny sparks and tend them to sacred fire. Let us do so with a faith steady as the phases of the moon.
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About Your Teacher
Josh “Ooah” Reitzenstein began his journey of soul initiation in earnest on the first Adult Neshama Quest Wilderness Torah offered in the Summer of 2021. Since that awe inspiring encounter with nature and the calling of his soul he has immersed himself in the Wilderness Torah community by offering his gifts as a lead youth mentor for B’naiture, serving in leadership roles at High Holidays and Passover In The Desert festivals, and guided multiple Neshama Quests. He rounded out this deep dive into Earth-Based Jewish culture by completing a year long Men’s Initiation program offered by Rabbi Zelig Golden, culminating in a four day dry fast in the Inyo Mountains. Since “coming down the hill” he has returned to his teaching career in Los Angeles, gotten married, became a father and was ordained as a “Maggid” (sacred story teller). He’s dedicated to supporting a culture of initiation through crafting meaningful rite of passage experiences.
Learn about Maggid Ooah’s Offerings at Reitz of Passage He’s here to support youth and adults in marking meaningful rites of passage.
