Children by nature are happy — unless they’re not, that is…
Adults by nature however, well, that’s somewhat more complex..
Or is it?
Earlier this week we ushered in the new Jewish month of Adar. Much is said about this month. To begin with it’s a month of good fortune. It has always been so — evidenced by the Festival of Purim.
The theme of the month is “Joy”. The Talmud tells us that it’s a time we need to increase in joy.
Easier said than done! Entire industries are built on making people feel better — with limited success one could say— based on the levels of depression that exists out there.
So, what’s the actual expectation of this statement?
Looking at the fuller Talmudic statement gives us insight. “Just as when we enter the month of Av we decrease in joy - so too when Adar enters we increase in joy“.
Presto. Somehow when it comes to being less happy we know how to do it —precisely this same way —we need to be joyous.
Sadness and happiness are predicated on what we allow our minds to reflect on. We can focus on our life’s challenges or conversely on the blessings. Our moods result and derive from this very choice.
Stress and angst are real. Life does have obstacles and road blocks — yet the counter side overwhelmingly outweighs all of this. When we drown out the noise and distraction we discover that our blessings are there in such abundance — yet sadly, we rush them by all too often!
Not so when the month of Adar arrives. We are instructed to slow down. Think of our blessings. Think of all the Divine blessings that had to have happened to those who preceded us that affords us the current blessings we have today …
You know and I know they are too numerous to fathom and for that we ought to get up and dance with joy and appreciation.
Happy Adar & Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor