Raize Guttman 01-14-18 (27 Tivet 5778)

This week is Rosh Chodesh Shevat, the 11th month on the Jewish calendar. Each month conveys it own unique message & symbol that teaches us about the power of the month. This month's symbol is a D’li (a pail/bucket). (דְלִי). A bucket has one function - to draw and carry water. In other words, to be a vessel of transmission. A pail's whole essence is one of serving.

On Rosh Chodesh Shevat Moshe began his 37 day elucidation of the Torah to the Jewish people. Moshe was a huge dli that brought up the water (The Torah) to the house of Israel, so they should drink.

The theme of this month of Shevat is the concept of renewal and rebirth. As it is within nature, so too this special time alludes to the potential for restoration within each person, for the Torah uses the metaphor "Is the tree of the field a man?" (Devarim 20:19). Just as renewal is within the grasp of the natural world, so too it is within our grasp. As the trees around us receive this new spark of Hashem's energy, so too can people be affected by it as well.

Celebrating Rosh Chodesh is the first mitzvah we received as a nation. As we welcome this new month on the calendar, let us also welcome a new beginning into our lives!