שבת Date: 2 Sivan, 5774 (5/31/14) – RoshHashana#23 {Eliezer}

HOPEFUL WOMEN

[23a top] Gemarah: There is a debate as to when we should light the torches on mountains to notify the public when Rosh Chodesh (the new month) was pronounced. If people did not find out until later, they would be neglecting work (at least that done by women) for two days, and we do not want to cause that much of a hindrance to people.
R’ Rosner: Women were given a strong spiritual connection to Rosh Chodesh as a reward for keeping the continuity of the Jewish population in Egypt (despite Paroh’s decree to throw all baby boys into the river) and for their unwillingness to give their jewelry for the golden calf (when Moshe was still expected to return down from the mountain). All three of these virtues: The renewal mindset of the moon each month, the hope of survival, and faith in Hashem and that Moshe would return, are what the pious women were imbued with that we give them credit for.

E’s Lesson: No matter how down and out we may feel or be, Hashem expects us to have Hope and Faith in him. This is clearly the message we learn from Rosh Chodesh specifically, and we should celebrate each new month’s Holy day accordingly (dressing nicer and/or not working); at LEAST by giving honor and thanks back to the women in our lives by doing something extra special for them then (with gifts or by taking out to /making dinner).