Our time in exile is what makes us who we are. To be the Jewish people, it seems that we needed to go through exile as a prerequisite. Being slaves in Egypt allowed us to become the nation of Israel, the people that would receive the Torah and all of Hashem’s mitzvot.

Parshat Bo was the first time the Jews as a nation were receiving a mitzvah. The first mitzvah which we received was Rosh Chodesh. After the slavery, leaving Egypt, and all they have gone through, why are they told, “This month will be for you the head of all months.” Why is Rosh Chodesh so important that Hashem chose this to be the first mitzvah He wanted to tell us? Seforno states the obvious: Now that they will no longer be slaves, Bnei Yisrael are capable of choosing what they do with their time. No one is controlling how they spend their time except them. This is very important to note because while our ancestors were given the Torah long ago, it is our choice to keep it and get closer to Hashem.

I think many of us may take time for granted. Many of us may say that there aren’t enough hours in the day, which is something I am guilty of as well. However, are we choosing to use our time wisely or do we choose to occupy our time with things that don’t matter? Are we using our choice of time to celebrate holidays and Shabbat, or are we using it for unimportant events? We must recognize that Rosh Chodesh is a new beginning that Hashem privileged each Jew with. We have the option of choice and the chance of a new beginning. Take this blessing of a mitzvah that Hashem has given us: May we all recognize we are privileged with new beginnings and make choices that will bring us close to Hashem. May we continue to choose to follow His mitzvot and recognize that all the mitzvot are gifts from Hashem.

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a Master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.