B"H
Thursday, Shevat 30, 5778 / February 15, 2018
Today is the first day Rosh Chodesh Adar. We recite the Hallel during the morning service, read from the Torah and recite the Rosh Chodesh Musaf service.
Every Hebrew month has its special qualities. Our sages tell us that, “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha" - "When the month of Adar enters, we add in joy and happiness."
The expression "we add in happiness" implies that happiness is not unique to the month of Adar. A Jew must always be happy. Just knowing that G-d watches over us, gives us life and the ability to serve Him is enough reason for us to be happy. However during this month of Adar, we have to increase our level of happiness.
Happiness is an important part of our Jewish faith and religion, as well as an essential ingredient in serving G-d. Our sages tell us that, if for no other reason, a Jew should be happy and thankful for the very fact that he or she is Jewish. The fact that G-d entrusted us with His Torah and His mitzvot is enough reason to be joyous. True happiness is also a sign of a strong belief and trust in G-d.
King David in Psalm 100 says, "Ivdu et Hashem B'Simcha bo'u l'fanav birnana," - "Serve G-d with happiness; come before Him with joyous song."
Every mitzvah performed with happiness not only enhances the mitzvah, it also shows our appreciation to G-d for the opportunity to observe it. Our sages tell us that Simcha (happiness) comes from Kedusha (holiness), whereas sadness and dejection comes from the "other side."
The Baal Shem Tov says, that although the feeling of sadness and dejection is not one of the sins mentioned in the Torah, yet, the negative spiritual consequences which can result from sadness and dejection may be far worse than many sins.
According to Chassidic teaching, sadness and dejection are of the most powerful tactics and tools of the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination). Through them, the Yetzer Hara traps a person into losing the will and strength to overcome any obstacles which may appear as stumbling blocks in the way of Torah and mitzvot. As a result, the person will fall deeper into the clutches of the Yetzer Hara.
The Tanya explains this concept with a parable of two people engaged in battle. If one of the fighters is sad and dejected and the other one is happy and in good spirits, the happy person will be faster, quicker and have more energy to win the battle--even if his opponent is stronger.
Similarly, say our sages, life is a constant battle between good and evil. A person must always be on guard to have the spirit and strength to do good. This can be achieved much easier when the person is in control. To be in full control, one must think positive, feel positive and be happy.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL DAY & WONDERFUL CHODESH