March – April 2022 Membership Bulletin
Purim Samach!
Message from Rabbi Ariel Russo
Adar I - Adar 11 - Nisan 5782
The Hebrew calendar generally follows the lunar cycle. There is one snag because the Hebrew lunar cycle is about 11 days less than the solar calendar. Since the calendar was set in as early as the Tannaitic period (10 - 220 CE), there was a system of intercalated months, adding an additional month to keep up with the solar calendar and the seasons.
This month is added roughly every 3 years and is based on a 19-year cycle. Originally the Sanhedrin, an ancient tribunal that was assembled after the destruction of the second Temple, determined when the month would be added. We read in the Babylonian Talmud: Sanhedrin 18b:9-13
A king is not seated on the Sanhedrin, nor is a king or a High Priest on [a court for] intercalating the year... A king [has a conflict of interest] due to army payment. [Rashi: soldiers would get an extra monthly payment while taxes are collected yearly.] A High Priest [has a conflict of interest] due to the cold. [Rashi: when the High Priest has to immerse and walk barefoot on Yom Kippur.]
As evidenced by the text, fairness and an unbiased determination of the additional month was of utmost importance. There was a lot of intention that went into telling time and counting sacred time. Eventually this month was added based on a mathematical calculation. The month that is added is Adar II since the month of Adar has the association of joy, The Talmud tells us, Mi Shenichnas Adar, Marbim B’Simcha, Taanit 29a:18
Just like as soon as Av has entered, we decrease in happiness, so too as soon as Adar has entered, we increase in happiness.
We are coming towards the end of Adar I and about to enter Adar II where Purim will be celebrated and Passover will follow comfortably in Spring. I have outlined the practical reasons for adding another month, and I believe there is a spiritual resonance as well. As we take stock of the spiritual practices of gratitude and meaning-making, we have another month to find joy
Rashi says on Taanit 29a:63
Whoever enters Adar -- These were days of miracles for Klal Yisrael, specifically Purim and Pesach.
May we each find pockets of happiness this month and with spring around the corner. May we recognize the miracles big and small in our daily lives. May we see this extra month as a gift of time. Ken Yehi Ratzon - May it be God’s will.