The Spiritual Power of Nisan: 10 Teachings on Redemption, Renewal, and Faith

1. Previous Redemptions Occurred in Nisan
The Maharal explains the special significance of the month of Nisan: “It is the month of redemption, in which Israel was redeemed from Egypt, in which Yaakov received the blessings, in which the future redemption will occur, in which Yitzchak was born and bound upon the altar, and in which Israel was shown that it is the beginning of salvation.” (Maharal, Gevurot Hashem, chapter 35)

2. The Future Redemption Will Also Be in Nisan
In Chiddushei Aggadot, the Maharal writes that the ultimate redemption will take place in Nisan: “It is fitting that God renew miracles in the month of Nisan, for it rises to a higher spiritual level associated with redemption, and in the future as well they will be redeemed in Nisan.”

3. Redemption Through Kindness and Calm
The Ramchal also teaches that the future redemption will occur in Nisan, and adds that it will come through Divine kindness, peacefully and gently. In Maamar HaGeulah he writes: “You should know that Israel’s redemption must be in Nisan, for it is the time of the flow of loving kindness, and therefore it will come with tranquility and calm.”

4. Redemption Through Open Miracles
The Mechilta records a debate about when the future redemption will occur. Rabbi Yehoshua holds that it will be in Nisan, while Rabbi Eliezer says it will be in Tishrei. The Malbim explains that if Israel merits it, redemption will come with open miracles and wonders; if not, it will arrive through hidden miracles close to the natural order. Nisan represents miraculous Divine conduct, since in that month God performed extraordinary wonders in Egypt.

5. A Month That Strengthens Faith
The Netziv writes that the entire month of Nisan is suited for establishing the foundations of faith. He explains that this is why the author of the Haggadah cites the opinion that the story of the Exodus could already begin from the start of the month.

6. The Revelation of Divine Kingship
The Sfat Emet teaches that during the Exodus the glory of God’s kingship was revealed, which is considered like a renewal of creation itself. Therefore Nisan is a special “New Year” for Israel. While the nations celebrate Tishrei as the anniversary of physical creation, Israel celebrates Nisan as the fulfillment and purpose of creation to serve God and testify to His sovereignty.

7. A Renewed Divine Choice Each Year
The Sfat Emet further explains that every year, in the month of Nisan, God’s choice of Israel is renewed. A spiritual purification descends from Heaven upon those who seek closeness and renewal.

8. A Time for Spiritual Attachment to God
The author of Shem Mishmuel writes that Nisan is a unique time for Israel to cleave to their Father in Heaven, and therefore it is especially suited for redemption.

9. A Season of Inner Awakening
Shem Mishmuel also explains that in the month of Adar, which precedes Nisan, a new spiritual awakening is given from Heaven even to those who felt spiritually asleep throughout the year. Nisan demands renewed service of God with vitality, emotional energy, and inner elevation, and Adar provides the preparation and strengthening of the heart for this renewal.

10. A Time for Personal Renewal
Finally, Shem Mishmuel concludes that a person should feel completely renewed during Nisan as if newly created. One should approach the month with fresh thoughts, speech, and actions, leaving the past behind and stepping into a new beginning.