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Rabbi's Page
All of February 2011 falls within the month of Adar I. But, ironically, the “real Adar” is Adar II. That’s when Purim will occur so we need to defer our raucous celebrations for a month. Or do we?
In order to synchronize a lunar calendar with the seasonal holidays connected to the solar calendar (most specifically Pesach, which must occur in the spring), our calendar adds 7 months in a 19 year cycle. Hence we compensate for the difference between 354 lunar days and 365 solar days.
If you consult many Jewish calendars, you might see that the 14th of Adar I this year is called Purim Katan. Even the Talmud recognized that there would be 14th-15th Adar in a leap year. Purim was considered to be in the second Adar, this to remain in the progression of the special Shabbatot before Pesach. There is only one cryptic statement in Mishna Megilla that says the only differences between Purim Katan and the real Purim are reading the Megilla and sending gifts to the needy.
I suppose that means in part that it is never too early to weave a Purim spiel, so I ask you to read this month’s issue of the Pathseeker very carefully and with a critical eye to figuring out what is “Purim spiel un vus iz emes.”
The moral of all of this pilpul—Talmudic trivia and minutiae—is so simple that we sometimes barely think it is worth uttering amid all of the serious conversations of Jewish life today. You should find every opportunity in life to celebrate and to remember the good that has befallen us.
The story of Purim celebrates the saving of the Jews from imminent destruction. How many times have we heard in our lifetime that there would not be another generation of Jews?
Salvation does come at a price and there is never 100% salvation. The Shoah took from us fully a third of the total population of world Jewry. Even as rates of assimilation and indifference to Jewish identity rise, so do new expressions of Judaism through renewed vigor and creativity in many synagogues, the rise of independent minyanim and study, the proliferation of Jewish Studies programs in universities and creative endeavors within the organized movements of Judaism. We survive and thrive, even if that survival is one of diminished numbers.
So when we have the chance to celebrate, whether on Purim Katan or the real Purim, don’t miss the chance. We all need a little joy.
Rabbi Ned Soltz
updated 2/3/11 |
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