Monday, February 15th, was the first day of the Hebrew month known as Adar. It is customary, according to a well-known Jewish saying, that “When Adar enters, happiness and joy increases.” Why is this so? It is because within the month of Adar is contained the particularly joyous holiday known as Purim. Why is Purim known as such a happy holiday, more so than Passover, Chanukah or even Succoth (Tabernacles)? Perhaps it is because of the way it is celebrated. Of all the Jewish holidays Purim is probably the most frivolously observed, with special attention paid to the donning of costumes and masks, and the drinking of alcoholic beverages at the holiday feast. There is even a commandment to get drunk at this feast, in memory of the feast which is described in the Book of Esther which is read on Purim. You can imagine how much children enjoy this holiday, too. Little girls love to dress up as the beautiful, mysterious and brave Queen Esther, and little boys often dress up as the righteous, brave and true Mordecai. But of course there is much room for children, as well as adults, to disguise themselves in whatever way they can imagine, from a dangerous and ugly monster, to a robot, or a cowboy, ballerina and astronaut.
When Adar enters the fun begins. Rabbi Milton Balkany wishes you and your family a wonderful and joyous Purim.
Monday, February 15th, was the first day of the Hebrew month known as Adar. It is customary, according to a well-known Jewish
saying, that “When Adar enters, happiness and joy increases.” Why is this so? It is because within the month of Adar is contained the particularly joyous holiday known as Purim. Why is Purim known as such a happy holiday, more so than Passover, Chanukah or even Succoth (Tabernacles)? Perhaps it is because of the way it is celebrated. Of all the Jewish holidays Purim is probably the most frivolously observed, with special attention paid to the donning of costumes and masks, and the drinking of alcoholic beverages at the holiday feast. There is even a commandment to get drunk at this feast, in memory of the feast which is described in the Book of Esther which is read on Purim. You can imagine how much children enjoy this holiday, too. Little girls love to dress up as the beautiful, mysterious and brave Queen Esther, and little boys often dress up as the righteous, brave and true Mordecai. But of course there is much room for children, as well as adults, to disguise themselves in whatever way they can imagine, from a dangerous and ugly monster, to a robot, or a cowboy, ballerina and astronaut.
saying, that “When Adar enters, happiness and joy increases.” Why is this so? It is because within the month of Adar is contained the particularly joyous holiday known as Purim. Why is Purim known as such a happy holiday, more so than Passover, Chanukah or even Succoth (Tabernacles)? Perhaps it is because of the way it is celebrated. Of all the Jewish holidays Purim is probably the most frivolously observed, with special attention paid to the donning of costumes and masks, and the drinking of alcoholic beverages at the holiday feast. There is even a commandment to get drunk at this feast, in memory of the feast which is described in the Book of Esther which is read on Purim. You can imagine how much children enjoy this holiday, too. Little girls love to dress up as the beautiful, mysterious and brave Queen Esther, and little boys often dress up as the righteous, brave and true Mordecai. But of course there is much room for children, as well as adults, to disguise themselves in whatever way they can imagine, from a dangerous and ugly monster, to a robot, or a cowboy, ballerina and astronaut.When Adar enters the fun begins. Rabbi Milton Balkany wishes you and your family a wonderful and joyous Purim.
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