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B”H
Adar - A Time to Rejoice
Today begins the month of Adar. The
Talmud teaches that from the beginning of Adar, we increase in
joy. This is because Purim falls on the 14th and the
15th of the month, and Purim is the day Haman had
wanted to destroy the Jewish people and instead was transformed
from sadness to joy. The Megillah stresses that the dread that
preceded Purim and they joy that came affected the entire month.
This in understood through the teachings of Chassidut that every
month is imbued with a different reflection of Hashem’s name.
Nevertheless, the stress on the month is specifically Adar.
The Mitzvah to rejoice in Adar
carries with it a tremendous blessing. There is a verse in the
Megillah “These days of Purim shall be remembered and enacted.
The Baal Shem Tov explains that through proper remembrance,
Hashem reenact the blessings of the day. Particularly in a time
like ours, when many people need difficulty to be transformed to
joy, this blessing is pertinent and critical.
How do we reach joy?
Focus. We must focus on all of the
blessings we have and thank Hashem for them. We must share good
news and seek good news from others. Our thoughts are the first
emanation of our souls, which are bound to Hashem. When we
radiate positive energy, we bring positive energy. The focus on
good leads us to becoming more productive and opening new
channels. Focus can be on many things: the gift of life, our
special bond to Hashem through Torah, the blessings we have in
friends and family, the freedoms and opportunities we have in
religion and life. Gratitude is the greatest form of humility.
Faith. Hashem watches over each one
of us. He provides us what we need rather than what we think we
need. All of His acts are part of the grand scheme of Moshiach’s
coming which is the ultimate good for all of us and each of us.
We see this in the Megillah. What seemed to be the darkest hour
of the Jewish people with no hope for a future was in fact the
eve of tremendous blessings, joy and success. We are placed in
this world to trust Hashem. When we truly rely on Hashem and
accept that what we perceive as negative is truly good, the
hidden good becomes revealed.
Action. Seek opportunities to enjoy
and spread joy. This year is a Hakhel year, a year of gathering.
When we rejoice with others, sharing in their joy and them
sharing in ours, it multiplies the joy and blessings. This is
reflected in the Mitzvot of Purim, sending gifts of food to
friends and charity to the poor and having a festive meal. Pre
Purim parties are a great way to set the tone, particularly if
we use them to maximize the people who share in the Mitzvot of
Purim. The study of Torah brings joy. Host a Torah class at your
home. Each of us can be a beacon of joy and thereby breaking the
cycle of negativity and ushering in a period of joy and
prosperity.
May Hashem speedily in this Adar
grant the greatest joy with the coming of Moshiach!
Chodesh Tov,
Rabbi Biggs |
