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What is so special about the month of Adar?

by Mrs. Dinka Kumer

Library » Miscellaneous » The Jewish Calendar | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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The famous saying (and jolly jingle) about Adar is that 'When Adar commences, we increase in joy'.

The happiest month in the Jewish calendar is Adar for the following reasons:

1. In Adar, Haman (of the Purim story) planned to totally annihilate the Jewish people. When his plot made a complete u-turn and the Jews vanquished their enemies, the month was transformed from the depth of foreboding and sorrow, to the height of jubilation and victory. The entire month of Adar became the epitome of happiness, as demonstrated by the Purim celebration.

2. The 7th of Adar is the birthday of Moses, our teacher and redeemer. Moses wrought some of the biggest miracles in history on behalf of the Jewish people during our Exodus and desert travels. Moses also transmitted to us the Torah, G-d's greatest gift, by which we bring perfection to the world and blessing into our lives. (Incidentally, the 7th of Adar is also the day of Moses' passing. Many righteous pass away on their birthday as demonstration of having lived a life complete in service of G-d.) Just as Moses led the Jewish people from exile to redemption amidst joy and exhilaration, may we also be happy in our anticipation of the coming redemption with Moshiach!

When Haman's plot made a complete u-turn and the Jews vanquished their enemies, the month was transformed from the depth of foreboding and sorrow, to the height of jubilation and victory

3. The zodiac sign for Adar is fish. To survive, fish must remain in their natural element of water. So too, the Jewish people must remain in our habitat of Torah and mitzvahs for our continued existence. Additionally, fish are known to reproduce in large quantities. Also the Jewish people have many, many offspring, referring both to big, healthy families, and also to the numerous good ventures we undertake.

4. Adar is an auspicious month for the Jewish people, when our chance for success runs high. Also, the entire month (not only the first half) is also appropriate to make a wedding.

And what about a Leap Year with two months of Adar? Just 'double your pleasure, double your fun!'

May the joy of Adar extend over the entire year!

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Holidays » Purim » About

Torah

Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.

Moshiach

The Messiah. Moshiach is the person who will usher in an era of peace and tranquility for all of humanity when there will be no jealousy or hate, wars or famine. This is a fundamental Jewish belief.

Leap Year

Every 2-3 years an extra month is added to the Jewish calendar. Since the lunar year, which Jews follow, is 11 days shorter than the solar year, it is necessary to keep pace, so that holidays corresponding to certain seasons remain in sync. On a leap year, a second month of Adar is added.

Purim

A one-day holiday celebrated in late winter commemorating the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a decree of annihilation issued by Persian King Ahasuerus in the year 356 BCE.

Haman

Descendant of anti-Semitic tribe of Amalek and prime minister of the Persian Empire in the 5th century b.c.e. Schemed to annihilate all the Jews, and the holiday of Purim was established when the plot was foiled.

Moses

[Hebrew pronunciation: Moshe] Greatest prophet to ever live. Led the Jews out of Egyptian bondage amidst awesome miracles; brought down the Tablets from Mount Sinai; and transmitted to us word-for-word the Torah he heard from G-d's mouth. Died in the year 1272 BCE.

Adar

The twelfth month on the Jewish calendar. This month (which falls out approx. February-March), is the most joyous month on the calendar due to the holiday of Purim which is on the 14th and 15th of this month.

Exodus

1. The miraculous departure of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage in 1312 BCE. 2. The second of the Five Books of Moses. This book describes the aforementioned Exodus, the giving of the Torah, and the erection of the Tabernacle.

G-d

It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.

What is so special about the month of Adar?

by Mrs. Dinka Kumer

Library » Miscellaneous » The Jewish Calendar | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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