Restored Torah:

Putting the pieces together in the Messiah

This page deals with Restored Torah in the category:

Spiritual Illustrations : The Gospel in the Tanach

Restoring the Real "Rosh Hashana"

Several opinions were recorded in the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 10b-11a) that challenged the one familiar to us today (i.e. that the world was created, and the year begins, on the first of the Seventh Month, or Tishrei 1). The dispute was resolved among later sages by saying that the world was created in an “embryonic state” at Tishrei 1, but could not be birthed until Nisan 1; or alternately, that the world was created in the spirit on Nisan 1, and only later in the material realm on Tishrei 1. Either way, they implied that the creation in Nisan was stronger.

This opinion, upheld by the rabbinic majority for generations, is emphasized by the prominence given to Nisan in the Tractate dedicated to "Rosh Hashana":

"In Nisan our forefathers were redeemed from Egypt, and in Nisan we will be redeemed." (Rosh Hashanah 11a)

And no wonder, for the Torah is clear about where the year begins for the sons of Israel:

“This monthshall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” - Ex.12:2 (JPS, the English version used by the Jewish community)

What happened to Nisan's place as "Rosh Ha-Hodashim", the "head of the months" (the literal Hebrew)? Why was the celebration of the New Year - together with the commemoration of that pivotal event, Akedat Yitzhak (the sacrifice of Isaac) - moved from its proper place, in Nisan, to the opposite side of the Jewish calendar?  You will come to your own conclusions as you follow our exploration of Jewish tradition concerning Nisan. 

We are seeking to restore this neglected Torah command which illustrates deep spiritual truth about Redemption. Meditation 3 therefore offers some suggestions for symbols that can be added to a festive meal.

(This is a work in progress, so we may revise it from time to time.)

Meditations for Rosh Ha-Hodashim, the New Year
and the First Month (or Nisan)

1: New Month, New Things

2: Jewish Tradition with Messianic Potential

3: Celebrating Rosh Ha-Hodashim

4: Receiving the King

5: The Messiah, Our Passover

6: The Resurrection

7: Counting the Years - Why?

       Counting the Years - How? (a survey of Sources with our conclusion)

 

Explore restored Torah in the following categories: (unlinked titles are still under construction...)

[back to main directory]

Restored Torah is part of the Restoration Torah Project
sponsored by Restorers of Zion