1 Nisan — Rosh Chodesh Nisan: The New Year of Months

The New Year for Months — The Day of Ten Crowns

The first of Nisan is not merely the beginning of a new month but the true "New Year of Months," as the Torah states: "This month shall be for you the beginning of months" (Exodus 12:2). The Sages of the Talmud (Shabbat 87b) teach that on this day ten "crowns" converged — ten unique events that occurred for the first time in history. Among them: the first day of Creation (according to Rabbi Yehoshua), the first day of service in the Mishkan, the first day for sacrificial offerings, and many others. This day is also connected to the Nesi'im — leaders of the generations — because on 1 Nisan the reading of the "offerings of the tribal princes" begins. Every leader of the Jewish people carries responsibility for the spiritual awakening of their generation, and Rosh Chodesh Nisan reminds us: true leadership means service to G-d and the people.

The Rebbe's Call: A New Beginning in Torah and Mitzvot

The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, repeatedly emphasized that the word "Nisan" (נִיסָן) derives from the word "nes" (נֵס) — "miracle." The month of Nisan is a time when G-d acts beyond the natural order, and every Jew can sense this supernatural energy. The Rebbe urged beginning Nisan with renewed determination in Torah study and observance of mitzvot, saying that at this very moment gates are opened for miracles. Just as the first month carries the energy of renewal for the entire year, so too every individual is called to renew their connection with G-d, breaking through habitual limitations and going beyond a "natural" perception of the world.