Monday, Adar 1, 5777 / February 27, 2017
Today, Monday, is Rosh Chodesh – the first day of the New Hebrew month Adar.
Adar is considered the last month of the year and the next month, Nissan, is the first month. In a leap year there are two months of Adar – Adar 1 & Adar 2. This year, not being a leap year, there is only one month of Adar.
In the Hebrew calendar the months are independent of the years. Rosh Hashana, which is the beginning of the New Year, is actually in the seventh month of the year, while the first month of the year is seven months after Rosh Hashana.
Our sages tell us that when the month of Adar enters, we must increase in Simcha-happiness.
The reason for this is that one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history, the miracle of Purim, when the entire Jewish nation was saved from annihilation, occurred in the month of Adar.
On the seventh day of Adar, Moshe, the greatest leader of the Jewish people was born. He also passed away on the same day, 120 years later.
Simcha-Happinessis an important part of our service of G-d. King David in Psalm 100 says, "Serve G-d with happiness, come before Him with joyous song." Every mitzvah performed with happiness, shows our appreciation to G-d for the opportunity to observe it. Our sages tell us that happiness comes from holiness, whereas sadness and dejection comes from the "other side."
Rabbi Schneur Zalmen of Liadi explains this concept with a parable of two people engaged in battle. If one of the fighters feels down and dejected while the other is happy and in good spirits, the happy one will be faster and have more energy to win the battle--even if his opponent is stronger. Thus, feelings of dejection and sadness take away one's will power and strength and will cause him to fail.
Throughout life, we often find ourselves in a constant battle. Therefore, we must think positive and be happy, thus deriving strength to win the battles.
"Think good and it will be good!" a great Rebbe told his Chassid, who had a child who was so ill that the doctors had given up all hope. The Chassid listened to the Rebbe's directive and only thought positive. Eventually, his son became well. "Throughout my life," the Chassid told his friends, "whenever there was a problem, whether in health or business, I always remembered the Rebbe's command, "Think good and it will be good". I didn't let the negative thoughts overcome me. I would think positive, and just like the Rebbe predicted, things would turn out positive."
Take our sages’ advice. Increase in happiness, think positive and the results will be positive!
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL & HAPPY CHODESH/MONTH