Mishe Nichnas Adar marbim B’simcha
When Adar comes we increase our joy
“מִשֶּׁנִּכְנַס אַדָּר מַרְבִּים בְּשִׂמְחָה“
The month of Adar is the 7th month in the Hebrew calendar and the 12th month in the Jewish calendar. According to the Jewish calendar, Nisan is the first month as exodus occurred on that month and thus it was significant enough to be first. In the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei is the first month (Rosh Hashana). But regardless of its placement, we rejoice when the month of Adar comes. We celebrate the triumph of Mordechai and Esther over the wicked Haman. Approximately once every three years, a leap year (an additional month – Adar II) occurs to align the lunar months with the solar year and ensure that the holidays fall in the proper season. During a leap year, which we encounter this year, we rejoice on Adar 1 & 2. In fact, we rejoice all the way through Passover (Nisan) because of the miracles of both holidays. However, there is another explanation as to why we rejoice when Adar enters. During the times of the Temple, Jews would bring ‘half a shekel’ on the first of Adar which went towards the purchase of the sacrifice. This act of giving was a happy time, a celebration, and a value we practice today called Tzedakah .
Do you think we need holidays/past events to remind us to be happy? Yes, no, why?
How are you going to practice Tzedakah?
Email Betti your thoughts and ideas to enter a competition, the cause that gets the most votes, will be the school’s Tzedakah project for the month of Adar I and II (in addition to a prize)
betti@hcrj.org.