Adar II 5784 (March 10, 2024)

Chodesh Tov, Happy Adar II!

My Torah for Adar II:


 (תענית כ"ט א) "מִשֶּׁנִּכְנַס אֲדָר מַרְבִּין בְּשִׂמְחָה"

"Mishenichnas Adar marbim besimcha"

"When the month of Adar begins, one increases rejoicing" (Taanit 29a)


In the Jewish calendar, the arrival of Adar heralds a time of increased joy and celebration as we prepare to commemorate the Purim story with feasting and general silliness.


Personally though, I associate this time of year — late winter and early spring — with that feeling that winter is never going to end (can you tell I grew up in New England?). The promise of spring on the horizon isn't enough to keep my seasonal blues at bay (even as we Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Time), so every Adar it feels challenging to find joy — and even more challenging that it feels like a mandate. This Rosh Chodesh Adar II, that sentiment feels especially true across my communities due to the endless news cycle; both in Israel-Palestine and here in the States. 


There is a real danger in the pursuit of joy when it becomes a mask for the pain and struggle that we may be experiencing. Pretending to be happy when we are not can take a toll on our mental health and well-being, exacerbating feelings of isolation and disconnection. We may also feel guilt for seeking joy when we know that so many are suffering.


But isn't that the point of the Purim story too? The profound joy

of Purim did not emerge from some easy, delightful situation. No, the joy of Purim stemmed from twisted circumstances and an existential threat to the Jewish community.


So how do we prevent the joy of these holidays from becoming a false idol, masking the reality of our world? Perhaps the answer lies in embracing resilience — the ability to find dapples of light even in the darkest of times, and to continue striving for a better future despite adversity.


In the story of Purim joy did not emerge from any easy circumstances, but out of dedicated effort and struggle against an extistential threat. The notion of "ונהפוך הוא" (Nahafokhu), where everything was turned on its head, encapsulates the essence of Purim and symbolizes the transformation from sorrow to joy, and mourning to celebration.


True joy, therefore, isn't about denying the complexities of our emotions or glossing over the challenges we face. As we celebrate the arrival of Adar II and respond to its call to increase joy, let us also remember our duty to actively engage in the pursuit of a better world. In the Jewish tradition, joy is not passive or a distraction; it is a call to action.


Just as Queen Esther took courageous action to save her people, we too are called to act with bravery and compassion. Every action we take has the power to make a difference. In times of darkness and uncertainty, it is our responsibility to bring hope and healing to those in need — including ourselves.


As we journey through Adar II, let us acknowledge the complexity of our feelings and create spaces within our communities where honesty and vulnerability are welcomed. May we find comfort in our traditions and strength in our resilience, holding onto the hope that brighter days are ahead and continuing to do the work of bringing those better days about.


May this month of Adar be not only a time of joy but also a time of meaningful action and positive change. Wishing you a month filled with moments of connection, reflection, and renewal.


Chodesh Tov—a good month to all.

Adar I in Review:

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