In a recent sermon, I spoke about an interesting issue that occurs when we have a leap year. The Jewish calendar adds the month of Adar—Adar 2. Since being standardized by the Sanhedrin in the days of Hillel II, in 358Ce, the leap month falls seven times in a 19 year cycle, thus appearing in the Jewish calendar every three, sometimes every two years. The question arises: what happens when a loved one has died in the month of Adar of a regular year? Does the relative say Kaddish on Adar 1 or in the month in which we celebrate Purim, Adar 2? In other words, will the real Adar please stand up!
Our Haverware follows a majority Ashkenazic opinion; that Kaddish should be said on Adar 1. One should say Kaddish and fast in that month if that is one’s custom. Adar is Adar is Adar, as it’s listed on the calendar, and it comes first. To not say Kaddish at that time is to ‘squander a mitzvah’. On the other hand, many major rabbinic authorities, such as Rambam, view the real Adar as Adar 2. The real Adar, they say, is the one closest to Pesach, because the miracle of Purim began when Achashverush couldn’t sleep, and that was on the night of Pesach. They also view the real Adar as Adar 2 because we connect the rescue of Purim to the rescue of Pesach. We observe Purim and all of its customs in Adar 2. Finally, they say that it is Adar 2 because Purim and the Megillah are absolutely observed in Adar 2. Adar 2 is primary and yahrzeit and Kaddish should be said on Adar2!
There is also the opinion of the Tashbetz, who tells us to say Kaddish the first year in Adar 1 (the end of twelve months) and in all subsequent years in Adar 2. And then there are Rabbis such as Shlomo Luria and the Kol Bo Aveilut, who say Kaddish should be said on both Adars! Dizzy yet? I hope so, because on Adar we are supposed to be a bit off kilter. My advice: listen to Haverware; it will guide you nicely. But truly, you have a choice and may institute your own custom, so long as you hold to it from leap year to leap year!
One thing that is not optional is the five mitzvoth that are attached to Adar 2 and Purim. The first is that when Adar comes, we try to be at our happiest–marbim besimcha. Therefore, you must try to put on a happy face! That’s very hard to compel folks to do and some have cause not to feel happy sometimes. Still, you must try to find humor, even in difficult times and see the glass half full–that much we can do, I am sure.
The next four mitzvoth are connected to Purim itself. They are all mentioned in the Megillah story. The first is to make certain to have a special Feast of Celebration (Hamentashen are strongly recommended!) The second is to give gifts to the poor. This is an excellent time to select a Jewish charity that helps feed the hungry, either here or in Israel. A third is to give at least two separate gifts of food to loved ones or friends. Finally, the last is to make certain that you hear the Megillah, the “ganza megillah,” read on Purim.
Many things happen in twos in the Megillah story. There are two banquets and two queens. There are two dinners that Esther prepares for Haman and the king. There are two times when Esther visits that king unannounced. There are two plotters against Ahashverus. There are two heroes, Mordechai and Esther, and two mentions of the Purim letter. I’m not sure why–could be making fun of Persian Dualism, or maybe it’s saying something about the month of Adar, which every two or three years repeats itself! Whatever the reason, it is, therefore, an important custom to hear the Megillah read not just once, but twice. As far as Adar is concerned, two is a charm…
This year, Purim falls on Saturday night March 15th. Join us for our abridged children’s reading and puppet show at 7:45 and our full reading at 8:45 pm. Families with children 10 and older are especially encouraged to attend our later Purim service. Young people will be selected, should they choose to participate, in introducing each chapter. The next day, we begin our morning service and Megillah reading at 9:00 am. Join our celebration of Purim and beyond by enjoying and participating in the exciting and entertaining Purim According to MOTOWN. Make this Purim memorable by being a part of it in all of its aspects.
Beth and I, Marc and Alan wish all a Sisen Purim– a joyful and fun Purim!