As we all know, “Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B’Simcha--when one enters into Adar, we increase our joy” (Taanis 29A). There is discussion in the Achronim as to whether this increased level of joy commences with Adar I--today. The Sefer _Adar U’Purim_ by HaRav Yoel Schwartz, as well as the Aishel Avrohom (Butshatsh) both learn that in fact the joy commences with Adar I. HaRav Schwartz understands this from the term “Mishenichnas”, which indicates that the initial entry into Adar warrants the increased degree of happiness. He adds from the _Sefer HaTodaah_ (by HaRav Eliyahu Kitov, Z’tl) that the Mazal of Adar is “Dagim”, which is “fish” in the plural (as opposed to Dag, in the singular), in order to indicate that the Mazal of both months of Adar is identical, and that they are both to be infused with joy. The _Shaalos Yaavetz_ (2:88), however, regards only the Adar which is close to Purim as the Adar of Simcha.
If we are “strict” in this matter, and rule that we must begin our increased Simcha today, how can we begin to manifest it? The Sefer Nimukei Orach Chaim (to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim Chapter 685) writes that each person should engage in activities or do things that make him personally happy. HaRav Schwartz adds that it is a nice custom to post signs in your home reading “MiShenichnas Adar Marbin B’Simcha”--in order to have a constant reminder to feel and experience an increased level of Simcha.
Increased Joy for two consecutive months--yet another benefit of a Jewish Leap Year!
Special Note Two: Why do we read Hallel on Rosh Chodesh, at the beginning of every new month?
The Tanya Rabosi (quoted by the Sefer Taamei Dinim U’Minhagim) provides us with the following answer: Dovid HaMelech in the last Chapter of Tehillim (Chapter 150--Halleluka Hallelu Kel B’Kadsho), which we recite every morning, uses the word “Hallelu”** twelve** separate times in order to express the different kinds of Hallel that we are to give to Hashem during each of the **twelve** corresponding months of the year. Thus, for example, the sixth time Hallelu is used in this chapter, is in the phrase “Hallelu B’Teka Shofar”, corresponding to the sixth month of the year--the month of Elul--in which we blow Shofar the entire month, and the seventh time Hallelu is used is “Halleluhu B’Nevel V’Chinor” (with lyre and harp), corresponding to the Simchas Bais Hashoeva of Sukkos, so befittingly culminating the month of Tishrei. Now, the twelfth Hallelu, which corresponds to the 12th month of the year--Adar I--is climactic--“Kol HaNeshama Tehallel Ka”--Let all souls praise Hashem! In fact, the reason we repeat the same Pasuk--Kol HaNeshama (i.e., a thirteenth Hallelu) when reciting this Chapter in the morning is to take into account second month of Adar--the thirteenth month of the year! What appears clear from this is that our Avoda, our sacred and wonderful task, for this month (and continuing into Adar II), is to raise our souls in the service of Hashem.
This month, as we recite “Kol HaNeshama” daily, let us feel within ourselves a raising of our souls, a heightening of our spiritual awareness, a supernal inner joy--in our lot (pun intended)--and in our life!
Special Note Three: Every Rosh Chodesh, in addition to the regular Shir Shel Yom, we also recite Barchi Nafshi (Tehillim 104). The Tur writes that this is because this Chapter contains the phrase “Asa Yorayach L’Moadim--He made the moon for the festivals”--for through the new moon and the new month, we know when to properly celebrate our Moadim. The Zohar (Medrash HaNeelam, Parshas Vayera) also adds to our understanding of this Chapter--writing that every Rosh Chodesh the souls of the Tzadkim in Gan Eden recite this very same Mizmor!
It behooves us to recognize and reflect upon the power and profundity of what we may sometimes view as “nice” Minhagim--and appreciate each and every one of our Minhagim for the sublime and purifying effect it truly has upon us--whether we know it or not!
-------------------------- Reprinted with permission by Hakhel MIS --------------------------
Important Numbers
