Machar Chodesh Toldot - Let it Shine
The haftorah, known as Machar Chodesh, recounts a poignant moment in Dovid and Yonasson’s friendship. Dovid’s sense of danger and fear is tragically affirmed when Shaul notices his absence at the Rosh Chodesh meal, becomes enraged and threatens action against Dovid. Yonasson risks his father’s wrath to warn Dovid of the imminent threat, assuring Dovid’s safety. Yet the haftorah offers a glimmer of hope amid this bleakness. Yonasson, the heir apparent, in a sign of true friendship protects Dovid and ultimately sacrifices his own potential ascension to the throne to enable Dovid to become King.
The name and deeper meaning of Machar Chodesh - tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh - now becomes clearer. The day before Rosh Chodesh is significant. On the last day of the lunar month, the moon is absent. The sky is at its darkest, the heavens seemingly devoid of light. But we know that this darkness is temporary. The moon is destined to reappear, growing brighter and fuller with each passing day. Machar Chodesh: tomorrow, the light will return.
Our nation is currently in one of its darkest moments. The horrors of war have shattered lives, leaving us grieving unimaginable losses. Like the moonless night, we find ourselves in a period of overwhelming darkness.
The message of Machar Chodesh offers a profound reminder: in the depth of darkness, the renewal has already started. The waning moon does not signal the end but the beginning of a new cycle. The haftorah reminds us that while today we may not see the light, it is already preparing to emerge. Yonasson and Dovid’s bond represents this belief - that even through difficult times, Hashem’s light is present.
The moon’s cycle is a powerful metaphor for our nation: Am Yisrael has faced exile, destruction, and tragedy, yet we are sustained by the knowledge that ה' לֹא יָנוּם וְלֹא יִישָׁן, Hashem neither slumbers nor sleeps. He is with us even in the deepest and darkest night, guiding us toward redemption.
May the words Machar Chodesh give us strength and inspire us to hold onto the hope that brighter days lie ahead. Like the reappearance of the moon, so too will Am Yisrael rise and shine again, stronger in its faith and brighter in its light.