The morning was cool and poured down rain for a bit – bringing the scent of spring. Everything may still be hibernating, but we know spring is coming, and so do the birds. We hear them gathering and calling, as we all wait for the cycle of the seasons to turn. (In a throwback, I’ve included two photos from our Adar 2015 and 2017 walks at Horseshoe Lake – the waiting is apparent there as well).
In Jewish tradition, we have at least three yearly cycles: the cycle that starts at Rosh Hashanah (first of the month of Tishrei) marking the “birthday of the world”; the cycle of trees, starting at Tu B’Shvat, which we have just celebrated on the full moon of Sh’vat; and a third, which probably relates to agricultural cycles, which begins with the first of Nisan, marking the full blossoming of spring and the Exodus from Egypt. In the northern hemisphere, especially in colder climates, we can relate to the last one, as the coming of spring is a welcome newness after a long winter.
The month before Nisan in that cycle, Adar, is therefore the last month of the year, a month of preparation and anticipation – with a twist. In 7 years out of every 19, or about every 2 to 3 years, we add in an extra Adar, to adjust the lunar calendar to the solar one, ensuring that our holidays will roughly land in the appropriate season, year after year. Known as a Jewish “leap year”, this year, 2024, is a double-Adar year. This month is the additional month added, Adar I or Adar Aleph.[1]
The themes of the month of Adar are striking and provocative: we are to remember evil in our midst – through the stories of Amalek and Haman – and cultivate joy in the face of it. We overcome evil by acknowledging its carnival absurdity and randomness, and immersing ourselves in joy, celebration, laughter and jokes. And in Jewish “leap years”, we are to do this for two whole months! With Purim coming next month, we have a month without holidays or Passover cleaning to focus on cultivating joy in our lives. I challenge all of us to find ways and reasons to laugh this month – be it sharing jokes with friends, enjoying the play of children (ours or others’), reading funny stories, streaming comedy or visiting a comedy club. Even better if we share it with those for whom joy is challenged.
We’ll be back next month with the story of Purim! Chodesh tov! — K. Miriam
Our next walking meditation will honor the second month of Adar, Adar Bet, Monday, March 11, 8:30 am. Rain or snow or shine! Contact us for location!
[1] See https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jewish-calendar-solar-and-lunar/, and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/70016/jewish/The-Jewish-Leap-Year.htm
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 