“Don’t worry, be happy!”. When I listen to this reggae jazz style Bobby McFerrin song, first released in 1988 in an a cappella version, it does lift my spirits and make me smile, while perhaps in that moment, worrying a little less and feeling happiness a little more.
I think we are all aware that certainly in these past 500 plus days (since Oct. 7, 2023), we’ve all been holding a gamut of emotions including sadness, pain, worry, frustration, fear, anger and despair, while also experiencing (hopefully) occasions of happiness, comfort, strength and resilience, and love and togetherness with our family, friends and community.
Having written this article earlier in the week, it is not known what the hostage news will be later this week. I’m very worried. Our emotions are in turmoil, yet this is the Shabbat on the Jewish calendar when a special blessing is said to announce the coming of the new month of ADAR, the month in which we will celebrate Purim and in which we are supposed to be happy. There is a phrase in the Talmud (Ta’anit 29a) that says, “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha”, when the month of Adar comes, we should increase our joy. The reason for increasing joy in Adar, given by Rashi, a Medieval commentator, is because Purim (and Passover) were days of miracles for the Jewish people. Another commentator, Rav Yaakov Emden, explains that Rashi puts Passover into the mix in order to show us that Purim isn’t a one-time miracle that was performed like Chanukah, rather it ushers in an era of redemption (Geula), beginning with Adar and running through Passover, where we will be filled with a knowledge and awareness of God.
I read a blog by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber on TorahLab.org where he further explains this idea. He says that although there are no Halachically mandated behavioral changes for Adar, the deeper message in Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha is that because we are entering a period of redemption and hope, it is an ideal time for each of us to seek out our own personal “Geula” – freedom from the Yetzer Hara (that which is evil or a negative influence, or somehow acts as an obstacle in our lives). Perhaps it is a good time to start something new – add some learning; acquire a new skill; give additional time, talent or money to causes that are meaningful to you; or find a way to deepen your connection to family members, friends and your community.
In these next few weeks at CBI, you can find a wide variety of opportunities to increase your joy along with the rest of the community: attend our next Erev Shabbat Live dinner and service while enjoying the beautiful a cappella singing of the Shabbatones; come have fun/ volunteer at CBI’s Purim Carnival with our Pre -School, BBRS students and all of the youth and Madrichim of CBI, then later that week celebrate Purim and hear the chanting of Megillat Esther as we join together with Oheb Shalom at their congregation in South Orange; join CBI’s Lifelong Learning classes and don’t miss the important talk by Jonathan Conricus on March 4th; make a commitment to support our Centennial campaign; experience the positive and supportive energy in our community and the joy of Shabbat at Men’s Club Shabbat at the end of March, and of course find community, warmth and spirituality at our weekly Shabbat services and daily morning and evening minyanim.
I look forward to seeing you at these occasions and at other times! Surely we won’t be able to totally eliminate our worry and the sadness that accompanies the painful events in Israel and around the world, but hopefully the new month of Adar will be filled with increased joy, hope and peace.
With blessings and an extra hug,
Cantor Lorna Wallach
