What a Weird Topic!

How you can tell a newcomer to a synagogue?

When he turns to you and says in shock: “Do people always get up and walk out just before the rabbi gives his sermon?”

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A new nation was created, and now it’s time for its founder to deliver his first speech and message to the newbies.

The founder (G-d) will not be speaking directly to the people today; instead He has sent His chief of staff (Moses) to pass over the first order of business.

Let’s pass the microphone over to Moses: “Umm… Mmmm…. Today we are going to discuss about the lunar cycle, to teach the courts of law how to set up the months of the year. Like this, if two people saw a moon on the…”

STOP! Cut.

Imagine the scene. The Jews are still in Egypt, still in slavery, and now for the very first time ever they will hear a Torah lesson. And it’s about the moon.

For heaven sake! The moon?! Is that what’s on the agenda?

Are the moon and galaxies the hottest and most crucial topic to discuss with a newly formed nation?

Ahem, if only I had a say in the matter, I would suggest the Ten Commandments as a serious contender for the opening address, or better yet a general introduction to the Jewish mission. But astronomy? Is that the first thing you teach a child in preschool?

The explanation is powerful. So powerful.

Think about it: When the Jewish court (Beit Din) decides to declare on a new month, based on the testimony of two witnesses who claim they saw the moon, what is happening is that they are causing the whole universe to follow their lead. The very existence of the creation lies on their decision.

For example, the Torah teaches that on Rosh Hashanah a new unprecedented light enters the world, but who decides when Rosh Hashanah is? The Beit din! Based on whose testimony? Two simple Jews! On you and me the entire creation evolves!

Phenomenal!

Now you understand?

In His premier lesson G-d revealed to us the biggest secret and most vital piece of knowledge: Dear Jew you have the power to change and influence the world! Your actions have an effect on the universe! Be careful!

Small things count.

And you thought Neil Armstrong was a hero? Fe! He reached the moon, we run the moon!