Two Adars Are Better than One

We are in the month(s) of Adar. While there is a lot of discussion surrounding which month is the real Adar, the Lubavitcher Rebbe explained that when it comes to the mandate that “when Adar arrives, we increase our joy” both months of Adar are included. One of the unalienable rights protected by the US Constitution is the pursuit of happiness.  While we are free to pursue happiness, the bigger challenge is figuring out how to achieve that happiness. The Maharal writes that the 4 special Maftir readings that we read this time of year provide a map for achieving happiness. The first special reading is Shekalim. The Maharal writes that this Maftir teaches that one way to achieve happiness is by viewing ourselves as part of a larger group and cause. Each person contributed a half shekel, thereby demonstrating that they were part of the Jewish People and part of the building/ maintenance campaign for the Mishkan. We find happiness when we see ourselves as part of a cause greater than ourselves. Alone we wonder whether our efforts and contributions are meaningful or long lasting. When we are part of a cause, like the half shekel initiative, we find strength, comfort and inspiration that our combined efforts will be impactful.

      Parshat Shekalim also teaches us that while it’s fun to receive, true happiness is achieved by giving.

      Once a group of 50 people was attending a seminar.

      Suddenly the speaker stopped and decided to do a group activity. He gave each person a balloon. Each one was asked to write his/her name on the balloon using a marker. Then all the balloons were collected and put in another room. Then these seminar participants were let into that room and told to find the balloon that had their name written on it, within 5 minutes. Everyone was frantically searching for their name, and their balloon, colliding with each other, pushing around others causing utter chaos.

      At the end of 5 minutes no one had their own balloon in their possession.

      Next, each person was asked to randomly take a balloon and give it to the person whose name was written on it. Within minutes everyone had their own balloon.

      The speaker explained that this exercise demonstrates what is often happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for their happiness, not knowing where it is and having a hard time finding it.

      Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give to others; and you will get your own happiness in the process.

      We are very fortunate that after 3-plus weeks of Adar we are bentching Rosh Chodesh this Shabbat- and it’ll still be Adar! Let us utilize this extra Adar to remind ourselves what true happiness is and from where it comes. This will allow us to have a Happy Adar Sheini, a Happy Purim and a happy life.