Hidden Happy Wonders

Adar

Next week we will welcome the new month of Adar. The Talmud tells us (Taanit 29a) Mi Sh'Nichnas Adar, Marbim B'Simcha. When Adar begins, Joy increases. Really? What is it about the month of Adar that makes everything better? What is it about Adar that makes us happy?

Purim

Of course, Purim, which we celebrate in Adar, is the most festive of all the Jewish holidays, so that could be one reason. But the nature of Purim is reflected in the character of the whole month of Adar. A little-known fact is that Astrology is very much a part of the Jewish tradition. In fact, the first time the signs of the Zodiac are mentioned is in Sefer Yetzirah, the Book of Formation, which traditionally is attributed to Avraham Avinu and is thus the oldest book in the Hebrew canon. According to Sefer Yetzirah, the zodiac sign for Adar is Pisces. In Hebrew, the word for Pisces is Dagim (fish), usually represented by two fish. The reason for the two fish is that Adar is the month in our calendar that doubles when we experience a leap year and which, in turn, doubles our joy with a second month of Adar. But the nature of Adar goes deeper still.

On Purim, we read the Megilat Esther (מְגִלָת אֶסְתֵּר), the Scroll of Esther. However, if we change the vowels to the name of that book, it becomes Migalet Asteer (מְגַלֵת אָסְתִּר), which means "the Revelation of that which is hidden." This is the fundamental nature of the month of Adar. Wonders are hidden.

The Hidden World

As beings of the Sea, Dagim live in a realm that is totally foreign to us. They live in a world where terrestrial creatures like us cannot survive. According to the Kabbalah, the Sea represents Olam HaNistar, the Hidden World. For most people, they are content looking at the surface of the water. But what lies beneath, what is hidden from sight, holds beauty and wonders that defy the imagination and boggle the mind. Since joy increases during Adar, let us increase our joy for the Hidden World and all the amazing souls living there. Purim is about revealing hidden wonders, so let's reveal some hidden wonders of the Sea. Take some time during this month of Adar, and learn something new about the Ocean or some of the incredible life in it. Be mesmerized by the hypnotic behavior of a cuttlefish, or gaze on the beauty of a mandarin fish. Look with awe on a blue whale, the largest being ever to live on this planet, or with love at the parenting of a seahorse. There are living treasures in the Ocean beyond measure to be discovered. The Sea, like the month of Adar, is filled with hidden wonders. Take some time to reveal that which is hidden, increase joy and gain a new appreciation for the awesomeness of creation. And Be Happy… It's Adar!