The Gemara (Rosh Hashana 12a) rules that the world was created in Nisan. Yet, we say on Rosh Hashana, “Today is the beginning of Your creation,” indicating that the world was created in Tishrei (Rosh Hashana 27a). The phrase “Today is the conception (Haras) of the world” implies that, in fact, the world was created in Nisan, but was conceived, as it were, in Hashem’s mind in Tishrei (ala b’machshava) (Tosfos 27a).
Alternatively, the physical world was, in fact, created in Tishrei as it is popularly understood. However, the spiritual world began in Nisan, when Am Yisrael received the first mitzva (Rashi B’reishis 1:1). Since the world was created for Torah and Yisrael that are called Raishis (Ibid), the more significant creation is Nisan.
The first of Nisan is Rosh Hashana for kings (Rosh Hashana 2a), namely Jewish kings. Kings of the nations begin the year in Tishrei (3a). They inhabit the physical world which began in Tishrei. Jews and their kings add a spiritual world, the purpose of creation, which began in Nisan.
At Pesach 5785, let us focus on the spiritual dimension of our lives, and merit “In Nisan they were redeemed and in Nisan they will be redeemed” (Rosh Hashana (11a)).
Rabbi Mordechai Willig
Link Rabbi Willig at YU torah online and at Torah Web.
Donations & Payments
Membership
Announcements