When nature behaves the way nature does but we are looking for a different outcome, we pray for a miracle. In a sense, we are beholden to nature, which leads us to conclude that the only way the situation can change is for a miracle to occur.
Let’s take a closer look at nature vs. miracle.
In a way, it is the difference between the weekly solar cycle, which is as consistent as the sun rising and setting, and the monthly lunar cycle, that waxes and wanes.
An example of this differentiation within Jewish thought is found when assessing the difference between Shabbat and holidays. Shabbat’s designation has to do with the day of the week; “On the seventh day you shall rest.” Holidays rely on the day of the month, which is why the Seders are on a different night of the week each year, but start on the same day of the month, the 15th of Nisan.
But it is not always so clean cut.
This Shabbat is called Shabbat Hagadol, an important Shabbat. The reason for this is that while the Jews were still in Egypt, they were told that on the 10th day of the month, (at the time it was a Friday night), they should bring a lamb to their homes,. Then, they were to spray its blood on their doorposts so that G-d would know which homes to “Pass over” as the killing of the first-born Egyptians took place. This was a huge miracle for the Jewish people, hence an important Shabbat.
Since this occurrence was a miracle, and it happened on the 10th of the month, why do we commemorate this event each year on a Shabbat, and not on the 10th of the month?
Miracles change the natural order of things temporarily, but nature stays the same. However, transforming nature so that it behaves differently is an even greater miracle, since the miracle comes from within.
Commemorating this miracle on Shabbat gives us the power of the week, and the power of the month combined. We are celebrating not only a miracle that influenced nature, but also how nature itself changed.
This is the ultimate prayer. Not to ask only for a miracle, but to ask that nature itself change.
The month of Nissan and the holiday of Passover give us the opportunity to ask for this blessing.
May all those who need a miracle with their health, be blessed with the miracle of nature itself changing. May they be healthy, to the extent that treatment and a miracles cure not be needed.
Shabbat Shalom and chag Pesach sameach