“G-d made the two great luminaries”.^[1] Initially they were both the same size, but the Moon said, “Is it possible for two kings utilize the same crown”.^[2] So G-d told the Moon to diminish herself. The Moon protested. So G-d told her to rule by day and night. The Moon replied, “what use is a candle in the daytime”.^[2] G-d told her that the calendar would be based on her (and the Sun), that the righteous would be called by her name (Jacob the Small^[3], Shmuel the Small). The Moon was not satisfied so G-d instructed Israel to bring a goat as a chatas (sin offering) as an atonement for Him each Rosh Chodesh (New Moon and beginning of the month).^[2]

The creation of the Sun and Moon includes the creation of the concept of receiver and provider. The Moon does not have its own light it reflects the light of the Sun. The righteous are called by the Moon’s name,^[2] as she exemplifies righteousness. She takes so she can give. She gives not only by reflecting the light of the Sun but by giving the Sun the opportunity to give to her. The Sun receives the ability to give from the Moon. One can not only give or only take.

This is also the concept of female and male. A man rules by day. During day he works to provide for his household. A woman rules by night. She takes her husbands earnings and uses them to maintain their home. “She rises when it is still night; she gives food to her household and an allotted share to her maidens.”^[4] “She supervises the ways of her household and does not eat bread of idleness”.^[5] While she primarily rules by night she also rules by day. “She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers a belt to the peddler.”^[6] She not only provides for her household but gives her husband the opportunity to provide for her. He receives the ability to give from her. “Her husband relies on her, and he will lack no gain”.^[7]

Israel is also likened to the Moon. We receive blessings from G-d. When we are righteous we use our resource to do mitzvahs to create a dwelling place for G-d in the lower worlds.^[8] Allowing G-d to be benevolent, thereby fulfilling the purpose of creation.