When Adar Begins, We Increase Joy: The Spiritual Power of the Month of Adar

“Just as when the month of Av begins we lessen joy, so too when the month of Adar begins we increase joy…” (Tractate Ta’anit)

Why did our Sages feel the need to mention Av at all?

Av and Adar: Two Paths to Closeness

In the month of Av, we contract, surrender, and turn inward. That constriction connects you to longing for the Holy Temple. The inwardness, humility, and mourning practices bring you to a wondrous closeness to God and to deep spiritual strengthening.

In precisely the same way, in the month of Adar, joy and connection to life bring you closer to God. Uplift in Adar is a powerful medicine for spiritual renewal.

The Sign of Adar: Fish and Faith

The zodiac sign of Adar is fish, who teach us faith.

When we look closely, we see that although big fish chase small fish in the sea, God performs a great kindness for the big fish, and they do not swallow the fish they chase. If a big fish were to swallow a smaller one tail-first, it would choke and die from the scales lodging between its teeth.

A big fish swallows smaller fish head-first — not the ones it chases, but the ones that come toward it.

Two Deep Principles of Faith

From this, we learn two profound foundations of faith:

1. In life, we sometimes chase livelihood or success, and God at times distances them from us — and this is entirely for our good. Just like the big fish, which would choke if it managed to eat the fish it was chasing, God watches over us with great compassion.

2. Not every effort brings livelihood. Everything comes only from the hands of the Creator of the world. Sometimes it arrives through the place where we made an effort, and sometimes from an unexpected direction.

Haman, Adar, and the Reversal

When the wicked Haman cast lots to determine when to destroy the Jewish people, the lot fell on the month of Adar. He rejoiced, because Adar’s sign is fish, and fish are swallowed.

God said to him: fish sometimes swallow, and sometimes are swallowed. You and your sons will be swallowed year after year.

Adar: A Month of Blessing and Prayer

In the month of Adar, the fortune of Israel rises. “One who wishes that his assets endure should invest them in Adar.” If you want something to be blessed, engage with it in Adar.

And “your assets” also include your prayers. If you want them to endure and be accepted favorably, pray in the month of Adar. Rabbi Chaim Vital, the disciple of the holy Ari, taught that it is a great spiritual remedy to recite the Book of Tehillim on Rosh Chodesh Adar.

The Inner Meaning of Adar

The name of Adar alludes to the following:

“I am the Lord, your Healer.”
“The Lord is mighty on high.”
“I will dwell with you.”

Prepare a place for Me, says God. I am coming to you to rest My Presence within you.

Preparing the Heart for the King

Parashat Terumah is always read in the month of Adar: “And they shall make Me a Sanctuary, and I will dwell among them.”

This is the time to open the heart, clear away pain, and prepare for the great moment of the year when the Holy One, blessed be He, looks at you and asks: “What is your request — up to half the kingdom?”