B"H
Friday, Shevat 30, 5781 / February 12, 2021
Today is the first day of Rosh Chodesh Adar. Tomorrow, Shabbat is the second day Rosh Chodesh. Purim is in two weeks and Pesach is in six weeks!
This Shabbat we read from THREETorahs. In the first we read the weekly Parsha, Mishpatim. In the second Torah we read about Rosh Chodesh. In the third we read about the mitzvah of the Half Shekel (Machtzit HaShekel) which the Jewish people were commanded to give toward the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
The month of Adar is associated with Simcha- happiness. Our sages tell us, “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Besimcha" - "When the month of Adar enters we increase in happiness.”
On Rosh Chodesh, during the morning service, we recite Psalm 104; “He sends the springs into the streams, they flow between the mountains. They water every beast of the field, they quench the wild creatures' thirst. Near them dwell the heaven's birds, from among the branches they give forth song. He waters the mountains from His upper chambers, from the fruit of Your works the earth is sated. He causes vegetation to sprout for the cattle and plants through man's labor, to bring forth bread from the earth... How abundant are your works, with wisdom You made them all... Everything looks to You with hope, to provide their food in its proper time... You open your hand, they are sated with good..."
We recite this Psalm every Rosh Chodesh as a reminder that G-d looks after all our needs. This strengthens our conviction that G-d will continue to provide for us in the new month as well.
The Baal Shem Tov was once traveling with some of his followers, when one of them became very thirsty. There was no water anywhere to be found. The Baal Shem Tov turned to his disciple and said, "Do you believe that G-d is aware of the needs of every being and provides for them?”
"Yes, I firmly believe this," replied the student. "If you have absolute faith in G-d, then He will provide your needs," assured the Baal Shem Tov.
A little while later, they noticed a water-carrier in the distance. They motioned for him to come over and paid him for some water and the student quenched his thirst. "Why are you carrying water in the middle of nowhere?" asked the Baal Shem Tov.
"I can't explain it," answered the water-carrier. "My master has gone mad and instead of having his water fetched from the well close to his home, he sent me to bring water from a well in this area."
Upon hearing this the Baal Shem Tov said to his students, "It says in Psalm 104 that G-d provides the beasts of the field with water. If only man would turn to G-d with complete faith and trust, He would also give them all their needs and they would lack nothing!"
SHABBAT SHALOM & A HAPPY, HEALTHY CHODESH-MONTH
Montrealcandle lighting time: 4:59 / Shabbat ends: 6:04