If we count the Jewish year from the month of Nisan, which is a New Year for kings, festivals and counting the months in Hebrew calendar, then Adar is the 12th month. The last month of the year. The month we could pause and take stock of the experiences of the year that is ending. The month that could inspire us to think about what’s next. We could do that, of course, but the Jewish tradition talks about something very different – it talks about joy. The month of Adar is known as the month of celebration and happiness. The Talmud teaches us that “When the month of Adar enters, we increase in joy” (Talmud, Ta’anit 29a).

I always wondered why Adar is different, and in a way more special than other months when we celebrate various holidays. Why are we instructed to be joyous the entire month of Adar, but not Nisan (when we celebrate Passover/Pesach) or Kislev (when we celebrate Chanukkah)? There are several interpretations and commentaries that could answer this question, but one of the interpretations I came across recently is that the month of Adar is the beginning of the season of miracles. After Adar and Purim, we celebrate Pesach and the miracle of Exodus; then Shavuot and the miracle of revelation and commandments we received from God; then Chanukkah and the miracle of oil and victory over a greater and bigger nation. So, if you think of Adar as the month that leads us into the season of miracles, then it does make sense that we spend this month increasing in joy and looking forward to what’s coming.

Now, being joyous and even increasing in joy for the entire month sounds truly wonderful. But how do we actually do this? How do we make ourselves joyous? Can we just turn happiness on? And what if we’re in life situations where sad things are happening? The Talmud doesn’t give us an answer on how to rejoice; there are no specific instructions. It leaves us space to understand how we can help ourselves feel joy during this month. We know ourselves best and therefore we are the ones who can provide answers and find ways to rejoice. It might not come easy; it might not seem to the outside world as we’re rejoicing, but as long as we know we’re feeling joy – in whatever capacity that is – that’s enough.