The weather is warming, birds are singing, and the smell of hamantaschen is wafting out of the oven... it must be Adar!
Adar is the happiest month of the Jewish calendar and arrives as winter transitions to spring. Jewish tradition tells us that "when Adar enters, joy increases!"
Why is Adar so special? It's the month when we celebrate Purim, commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The story of Purim reminds us how quickly circumstances can change—what seemed destined for tragedy transformed into triumph and celebration.
It's also the month of Moses' birthday, and it's the last month we spent as slaves before the Exodus from Egypt. It paves the way for Passover, and our story of liberation.
Jewish wisdom teaches us to find joy not despite life's challenges, but within them. We're encouraged to look for moments of happiness everywhere—in nature, in community, in small daily pleasures. It isn't about ignoring reality, but rather finding the light that exists alongside the difficulties.
That's what we were holding when we co-created the Joyful Jewish Rituals to Fill Your Cup book with ReformJudaism.org. The rituals inside are designed to help you find and cultivate small pockets of joy in moments throughout your day.
This month, we're committed to creating more moments of joy through small, intentional choices throughout the day: Taking a quick dance break while cooking dinner. Calling an old friend spontaneously. Wearing a special piece of jewelry that brightens our mood.
What about you? How are you finding moments of happiness this Adar? Reach out to us at info@recustom.com or at @recustomrituals on Instagram to let us know.
Wishing you a month filled with laughter and light!