This article first appeared on Meaningfulminute.org “When Adar arrives, we increase in joy” - Taanis 29a Why specifically in Adar are we being instructed to increase our joy? What does it mean to increase joy? If we are happy, then we are happy. Can anyone simply choose to be happier? The Hebrew name Adar is related to the word “ adir, ” which means strength and power. This indicates that in Adar, we have a special strength that we do not have access to in other months. We know that Moshe Rabbeinu was born and died in the month of Adar. Chazal teach us that Haman was excited that his lottery fell out in Adar because he knew that it was the month when Jews would have the mazal of Moshe Rabbeinu’s death. What he did not know was that it was also the month when Moshe was born. How is it that Haman knew when Moshe died but did not know the date of his birth? Haman thought this was a month of weakness when it is, in fact, as the name Adar suggests, a month of increased strength and power. Furthermore, why is it that this month we are gifted with an increase in strength and power? The Gemara tells us ( Pesachim 110a), “ Melech poretz geder — a king may break down fences to make a path.” The king is given the power to break through the boundaries of private property as a shortcut on the way to his destination. Halacha reflects reality. By learning the inner essence of a halacha we develop a Godly worldview. A King can break down barriers because the King represents Hashem. Hashem, o
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