Month of Nisan (1st in JRC, 7th in JCC)

 Nisan

The month after Adar is Nisan, the first month of the Jewish religious calendar (and the seventh month of the civil calendar). Nisan is one of the most significant months in the Jewish year because it marks the beginning of the biblical new year and contains the festival of Passover (Pesach), which commemorates the Exodus from Egypt.

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Key Features of Nisan

1. Biblical Significance:

• Designation as the First Month:
  • “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” (Exodus 12:2)
  • Nisan represents renewal, freedom, and redemption, as it begins the cycle of the Jewish religious calendar.

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2. Passover (Pesach):

• Celebrated from the 15th to the 22nd of Nisan (7 days in Israel, 8 days in the Diaspora).
  • Commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
  • Central observances include:
    • The Seder meal on the first two nights (one night in Israel), recounting the Exodus story.
    • Eating matzah (unleavened bread).
    • Avoiding chametz (leavened products).
    • Reading the Haggadah, a text that retells the story of the Exodus.

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3. Themes of Nisan:

1. Redemption and Freedom:

   • Nisan is known as the “Month of Redemption,” marking the physical and spiritual liberation of the Jewish people.

2. New Beginnings:

   • As the first month, it represents the start of a new spiritual cycle, aligning with spring and renewal in nature.

3. Covenant and Faith:

   • The Exodus is the foundation of the Jewish covenant with God, demonstrating His faithfulness and power.

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Important Days in Nisan

1. 1st of Nisan:

   • The Tabernacle (Mishkan) was erected and inaugurated in the wilderness (Exodus 40:2).

2. 10th of Nisan:

   • The Israelites selected the lambs for the Passover offering before leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:3).

3. 15th of Nisan:

   • The Exodus from Egypt occurred on this day (Exodus 12:41).

4. 21st of Nisan:

   • The splitting of the Red Sea and the final deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh's pursuit.

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Spiritual Practices During Nisan

1. Avoidance of Fasting and Mourning:

   • Because it is considered a joyous month, fasting and mourning practices (except for the fast of the firstborn before Pesach) are generally avoided.

2. Daily Recitation of Psalm 113–118 (Hallel):

   • These psalms are recited during Passover and reflect the joy and gratitude of redemption.

3. Spring Cleaning (Chametz Removal):

   • The preparation for Passover involves cleaning homes to remove all leavened products, symbolizing the removal of spiritual impurity.

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Themes of the Month

1. God’s Power and Faithfulness:

   • Nisan highlights the miraculous deliverance of Israel and God’s covenant to sustain His people.

2. Spiritual Freedom:

   • The physical Exodus is a metaphor for spiritual liberation from sin, idolatry, and other enslavements.

3. Renewal and Hope:

   • Aligning with spring, Nisan embodies the renewal of faith, nature, and spiritual purpose.

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Conclusion

Nisan is a month of profound spiritual significance, celebrated as the time of redemption, renewal, and beginnings. The Exodus story forms the heart of the Jewish identity, reminding the people of God's might and their covenant with Him. Passover rituals and themes underscore the journey from slavery to freedom, both physically and spiritually, and prepare the way for further spiritual growth throughout the year.

1. Jewish Calendar:

• The Jewish Calendar is a lunisolar calendar, based on both the moon and the sun. It is used for religious purposes, with months beginning on the new moon and years consisting of either 12 or 13 months (in a leap year).
• Significance: The Jewish calendar is deeply intertwined with religious observances, holidays, and seasons, many of which are linked to events in Jewish history.

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2. Civil Calendar (Hebrew Civil Calendar):

• The Civil Calendar refers to the months used in the secular, civil society, and administrative functions in the Jewish community. It is based purely on the solar year but still follows many traditional Jewish months.
• Significance: The Civil Calendar is utilized for determining the official year, financial years, and agriculture seasons, but it may not reflect the same sacred observances as the Jewish religious calendar.

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3. Gregorian Calendar:

• The Gregorian Calendar is a solar calendar used internationally for civil and secular purposes, consisting of 12 months with fixed days, and starting the year on January 1st.
• Significance: It is widely used in the secular world for daily business, international relations, and civic organization. It doesn't have a direct religious component in comparison to the Jewish calendar.