ADAR:
Month 12 | Adar: Joy that leads to strength (“the joy of the Lord is my strength”)
- Prayer Request
- Praise Report
Focus: Joy // Strength
Letter: Kuf (ק)
Tribe: Naftali
Sense: Laughter
There are many joyous dates on the Jewish calendar, but besides Purim, none affect an entire month, causing it to be auspicious and joyous. Purim is the celebration of Israel’s rescue from the Persian leader Haman’s genocidal plot (as recorded in the Book of Esther). The Rabbis teach that Purim is like Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). While on Yom Kippur we achieve holiness through the mortification of the flesh and long hours of prayer, we realize that same level of holiness on Purim through feasting, celebration, and joy.
Major Jewish and Biblical Events in History in Adar:
01 Adar: Ezekiel Foretells Egypt’s Downfall (421 BCE)
07 Adar: Birth and Passing of Moses
01 Adar: Plague of Darkness Began
03 Adar: Second Temple completed
05 Adar: Moses’ Last Day of Leadership (1273 BCE)
06 Adar: Moses Completes the Torah (1273 BCE)
07 Adar: First public sentencing and burning alive of six Jewish men and one woman by the Spanish Inquisition was held on this date in Seville
11 Adar: A fast is observed today by all adults in commemoration of the three-day fast called at Esther’s behest before she risked her life to appear unsummoned before King Ahasuerus to save the Jewish people from Haman’s evil decree
23 Adar: Tabernacle assembled for the first time
25 Adar: Nebuchadnezzar died (397 BC)
27 Adar: On the Shabbat that falls on or before the 1st of Nisan, a special reading called “Hachodesh” (Exodus 12:1-20) is added to the regular Shabbat Torah reading recounting God’s communication to Moses in Egypt two weeks before the Exodus.
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Tishrei: The Month of Renewal in the Hebrew Calendar
God renews creation. Tishrei’s festivals all focus on the person praying, waiting, and relying upon the Lord. Consequently, this month’s other name (Ethanim meaning “strong”) makes perfect sense, as “they who wait for Adonai will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Elul: The Month of Repentance, Returning, and Spiritual Intimacy in the Hebrew Calendar
Each day of the month of Elul (except for Shabbat and the last day of Elul), the Jewish people sound the shofar (ram’s horn) as a call to repentance. The Jewish people teach that the “King is in the Field” during Elul—God is readily accessible, willing to hear our requests and listen to our fervent prayers for the coming new year.
Kislev: The Month of Trust and Dedication in the Hebrew Calendar
Kislev is often playfully re-written as Kis-Lev (Purse of the Heart). Kislev is a time to examine what is in our hearts. It’s also time to fill them with reminders of the goodness of God. These concepts are most evident during the holiday that falls during this month: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.