This week on Shabbat morning we have the unusual requirement of 3 separate Torahs to complete the reading of the day. We begin the Book of Leviticus (Vayikra), we observe the new month (Rosh Chodesh Nisan) and we have the last of the special pre Passover readings called HaChodesh, which contains the mitzvah to observe the new month but also the ritual of the Passover sacrifice. On top of this we have the corresponding sign of the zodiac for Nisan being Capricorn(Taleh), paralleling the Chinese Year of the Sheep,  so we have a wealth of symbolism!

 

So where to start?

 

One of the explanations given for this time of year being associated with sheep is that this is when their fleece is fully grown and ready to be sheared for profit. The problem with Egyptian society was that they eventually deified the sheep which by extension was a worship of materialism. We are commanded to make the Passover sacrifice as a graphic rejection of that set of values. We replace that set of values with one associated with the celebration of the new month which teaches us firstly the importance of marking time on a regular basis but also the opportunity of renewal.

 

It's been almost 6 months since the High Holidays so it's time for a spring cleaning of both house AND soul!