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Adar: the month when we collectively throw on our party hats and crank up the happiness dial. Why? Because when Adar enters, we increase in joy . It’s not just a catchy phrase from the Talmud (Taanit 29a) – it’s a directive. But what is it about Adar that makes it such a unique time for celebration? Spoiler: It’s not just about the Purim costumes and hamentaschen.
Let’s unpack this.
From Low to High: The Purim Backstory
Picture this: It’s the Persian Empire, circa 4th century BCE. The Jews are not exactly thriving. They’ve been exiled from their homeland, the Temple in Jerusalem is in ruins, and Jeremiah’s prophecy of redemption seems overdue. Things are bleak, spiritually and materially. Enter Haman, the villain who decided to kick the Jews while they were down. He casts lots (or "purim") to find the perfect date to destroy the Jewish people.
The lot falls on the month of Adar, and Haman is thrilled. Why? Because Adar is the month Moses died. “Perfect,” he thinks. “Their leader’s gone, their morale is shot , and their G-d seems distant . Game over.”
But Haman missed one critical detail: Moses was also born in Adar, which means that Adar wasn’t just a month of mourning; it was a month of resilience and hope.
Why Adar Is Different
Most Jewish holidays are rooted in the highs of Jewish history. Passover celebrates the Exodus, Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah, and Sukkot is a nod to divine protection in the wilderness. These moments are monumental, but they celebrate the peaks. Adar, and specifically Purim, is different. It’s the celebration of a low point that didn’t break us.
When Haman’s plot was foiled and the Jews triumphed, it wasn’t just a political win; it was proof that even in the darkest times, the Jewish people’s relationship with G-d remains unshakable.
Joy That Lasts All Month
The joy of Purim spills over into the entire month of Adar, because the Purim story isn’t just about one miraculous event; it’s a microcosm of Jewish history. It teaches us that even when the odds are stacked against us, redemption can come in unexpected ways. That’s why the Talmud says Adar is an auspicious month for the Jewish people. It’s a time when miracles feel closer, like they’re just waiting to happen.
And if one Adar isn’t enough, we occasionally get two. In leap years, we add a second Adar to keep the lunar calendar aligned with the solar year. Double the Adar, double the joy. (Take that, Haman.)
8 Must-Know Adar Facts
Start Smiling Now
The Talmud says that when Adar begins, we increase in joy. Not "wait until Purim" or "schedule some happiness for later." Start now. Adar is the season of miracles, and who doesn’t love a good miracle?What’s in a Name?
The name "Adar" comes from the Hebrew word adir, meaning strength. That’s right – this month is all about power moves. And no, we’re not just talking about lifting hamentaschen to your mouth.Leap Year, Double the Fun
Sometimes we get an extra month of Adar, because why not? In leap years, we add a second Adar to keep the Jewish calendar on track. More Adar = more joy = more reasons to have a l’chaim.The Haman Fail
Haman thought Adar was the Jews’ weakest month because Moses died in Adar. What he didn’t realize? It’s also when Moses was born. Talk about a major miscalculation.Fishy Business
Adar’s zodiac sign is Pisces, or dagim in Hebrew. Fish are a symbol of blessing and fruitfulness, plus they’re always immersed in water. (Just like us and Torah, if you’re picking up on the metaphor.)Haman Died in Nissan
Fun fact: Haman’s actual demise happened in the month of Nissan. So what does Purim celebrate? The Jewish people’s victory and the day they rested after the miracle. It’s less about his end and more about our new beginning.Happy Birthday, Moses!
Tradition says Moses passed away on the 7th of Adar – but he was also born on that same day. Talk about poetic timing.Adar Was Egypt’s Last Hurrah
Adar was the final month the Jews spent in Egypt before the Exodus. It’s like the pregame to Passover’s main event.
Turning the Tables
Adar is proof that the universe loves a good plot twist. Haman picked it as the month to annihilate the Jews, and instead, it became the happiest month of the year. It’s a month that laughs in the face of despair and says, “Not today, Haman. Not today.”
So, whether you’re munching on hamentaschen, dancing at a Purim party, or just soaking up the joyful vibes of Adar, remember: This isn’t just any month. It’s the month that flipped the script, turned mourning into joy, and reminded us all that miracles can come out of nowhere.
Happy Adar, and don’t forget to smile – Haman would hate it.
