Rashi asks a simple but profound question question when teaching about the mitzvah of the new moon.

How much of the moon must be visible to consecrate it as a new moon?

Rashi teaches that God held out God’s finger to the moon and showed Moses the exact amount.

This begs the question–at what point do we consecrate beginnings? Perhaps the beginning is when an idea percolates in our mind. Perhaps a beginning is when we turn that idea into reality. Perhaps a beginning is when we know the idea will be executed. We each have different perceptions of beginnings. Yet, the moon is a sign in nature that no matter where you are around the world, we know we can begin at the same time.

What is so beautiful about the Jewish calendar is similar to what is so beautiful about our language and our liturgy. No matter where you go in the word, you feel connected.

This is not true with the sun. In Los Angeles, it is sunny, but in New York, it can be cold. The seasons are different depending on your location in the hemisphere. Yet, wherever you are in the world, you can walk outside, see the moon, and it will be the same sliver or size no matter where you are. When it is Passover in Los Angeles, it is also Passover in every other part of the world. We often marvel at the miracle of a sunny day. Yet, this week, marvel at the miracle of the moon: How it waxes and wanes, how it sets our sacred times, and how it provides meaning for our people in the entire world.