ב"ה
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Sunday, February 14, 2027

Halachic Times (Zmanim)
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Jewish History

Moses was born in Egypt on the 7th of Adar of the year 2368 from creation (1393 BCE). According to one opinion, the year of Moses' birth was a "leap year", and he was born in the first Adar.

Moses passed away on his 120th birthday -- Adar 7, 2488 (1273 BCE)

Links:
Moses- The Man of G-d
The Birth of a Leader
The Head
Moses Disappears
More on Moses
Is it Special to Pass Away on One's Birthday?

Laws and Customs

Once a month, as the moon waxes in the sky, we recite a special blessing called Kiddush Levanah, "the sanctification of the moon," praising the Creator for His wondrous work we call astronomy.

Kiddush Levanah is recited after nightfall, usually on Saturday night. The blessing is concluded with songs and dancing, because our nation is likened to the moon—as it waxes and wanes, so have we throughout history. When we say this blessing, we renew our trust that very soon, the light of G‑d's presence will fill all the earth and our people will be redeemed from exile.

Though Kiddush Levanah can be recited as early as three days after the moon's rebirth, the kabbalah tells us it is best to wait a full week, till the seventh of the month. Once 15 days have passed, the moon begins to wane once more and the season for saying the blessing has passed.

Links:

Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon
Brief Guide to Kiddush Levanah: Thank G‑d for the Moon!

Daily Thought

You murmured in your tents, saying, '"Because G‑d hates us, He took us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to exterminate us." (Deuteronomy 1:27)

Really, He loves you, but you despised Him. As the common saying goes, “Whatever is in your heart towards your friend, you imagine he feels towards you.” (Rashi)

Often we justify our own feelings by projecting them on others, twisting the entire relationship backward and upside-down.

We can’t get our way, so we say, “I’m doing everything to accommodate them, and they’re being so stubborn.”

And they say, “But it’s just the opposite! You won't give an inch!”

We don’t want to be around people, so we feel, “I’m trying to be nice to them, but they don’t want me around.”

And they say, “We would love to have you around, but you don’t seem to want to be here with us.”

In just the same way, we project our own feelings on the One who made us, attempting to twist truth inside-out.

We become absorbed with our own little world and can’t find room for G‑d within it, so we feel, “All I am to G-d is just an ugly little cockroach messing up His universe.”

How does G‑d feel?

There, with G‑d, is the true reality.

That He gives you life and all things He knows are good for you and awaits the time you will recognize how good it all is.

That He showers you with love, and awaits the time that you will return that love to Him.

That He eagerly awaits every word of your prayers, treasures every mitzvah you might do, kisses every word of Torah that comes from your lips—but you have no idea how precious you are to Him.

You may push back. You may run away. But just one small turn, and He’s there waiting.

Run from your delusions. Embrace reality. Reality is love.

Likutei Sichot vol. 34, p. 21.