Rabbi Howard Morrison

On Friday-Saturday, we commemorate Rosh Chodesh Adar, the transition of the months from Shevat (last day is Friday) to Adar (first day is Shabbat). On this coming Shabbat, we also read from three different Torah scrolls, which is a rare occurrence. It happens on Simchat Torah, when Shabbat Chanukah coincides with Rosh Chodesh, and this Shabbat which coincides with Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat Shekalim.

Our tradition teaches us, "Mi'She'Nichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha - When Adar enters, we increase our joy." This is so because Purim takes place in Adar, and Purim is considered the most joyous holiday of the calendar year. The events of Purim took place in Persia in the 400's BCE. The Jewish community was almost wiped out, but a reversal of fate and fortune took place, leading to the miraculous deliverance of our people. 

This coming Purim will be the second one since the horrors of October 7, 2023. How can we celebrate in the wake of so much death and sadness? How can we celebrate when babies have been butchered, when women have been raped and murdered, when elderly people have not been allowed to live their final chapter of life in peace? 

I believe that when celebrating is challenging - that is the time we have to muster the energy to celebrate. 

We have to celebrate four thousand years of Jewish history and heritage.

We have to celebrate with the memories of the slain in our hearts, minds, and souls.

We have to celebrate because time and time again we do and will overcome the atrocities perpetrated against us as a peoplehood.

When one recites the mourner's Kaddish, there is no reference to death or sadness. The words are an affirmation of faith in God and goodness, even when our lives are surrounded by loss and tragedy. So too, when the month of Adar begins on Shabbat, we will begin to pave the way toward Purim and celebrate the joy, even as we commiserate the sadness.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov,

Rabbi Howard Morrison