B"H
Monday, Adar2- 1, 5784 / March 11, 2024
Today, Monday, is the second day of Rosh Chodesh of the second month Adar. Adar is considered the last month of the Hebrew year. Next month, Nissan, is considered the first month.
Q. How can Adar be the last month and Nissan be the first month of the year when Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the new year, is six months away?
A. 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, Nissan, is seven months after Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana is the new year because G-d created the world and mankind at that time. Nissan, when we celebrate Passover and the Exodus is exclusive to the Jewish people, as in that month G-d chose us as His people.
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.
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, expresses our appreciation to G-d for the opportunity to observe them. 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 willpower and strength and will cause him to fail.
Life is a constant battle. A battle between doing what G-d wants us to do or what we desire. It’s a constant struggle between the physical and spiritual – between our body and soul. Therefore, we must always think positively and be happy, thus deriving strength to win these 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."
Let’s take our sages’ advice. Increase in happiness, think positive and the results will be positive!
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL & HAPPY CHODESH/MONTH
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.