Shabbat HaChodesh is a special Shabbat in the Jewish calendar, typically observed on the Shabbat immediately preceding the first day of the month of Nissan. It holds great significance in Orthodox Judaism as it is closely connected to the upcoming festival of Passover (Pesach). This Shabbat, which occurs once a year, usually in late March or early April depending on the Jewish lunar calendar, marks a time for spiritual preparation for the holiday of Pesach.
On Shabbat HaChodesh, the special maftir (additional reading) and Haftorah are read. The maftir reading comes from Exodus 12:1-20, where G-d commands the Israelites to establish the month of Nissan as the first month of the Jewish year and provides instructions for the first Passover sacrifice (Korban Pesach). This Torah reading serves as a reminder of the mitzvah of the first Passover and emphasizes the importance of redemption from Egypt, marking the beginning of the Jewish people's journey as a nation bound to G-d’s commandments. It also highlights the commandment to mark time according to the lunar calendar, with Nissan as the start of the Jewish year.
Shabbat HaChodesh is a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Pesach, marking the announcement of the new month of Nissan. It serves as an opportunity for the Jewish community to spiritually prepare for the holiday by reflecting on the Exodus and beginning practical preparations for the Seder. The Talmud (Pesachim 66b) connects the reading of the Exodus passage to the obligation of every Jew to prepare for the Passover festival, and the Mishnah (Pesachim 10:1) notes that on the 10th of Nissan, the Israelites were instructed to take a lamb for the Passover sacrifice, which ties into the Shabbat HaChodesh themes.