The gemara (Taanis 29a) compares and contrasts our behaviors in the months of Av and Adar. We’re told that just like we should decrease our simcha as the month of Av approaches, so too we should increase our simcha when the month of Adar enters.
Chazal give us clear instructions on how to decrease our simcha in preparation for Tisha B’Av: 1. the fast of the 17th of Tammuz; 2. the Three Weeks of no joyous behavior; 3. the Nine Days prior to Tisha B’Av; 4. and finally the 9th of Av itself.
However, for Adar and Purim we’re given no such guidelines. Immediately upon completing the fast of Esther, we commence with reading the megilla in full regalia with grogers in hand. Where’s the preparation? Aren’t we supposed to begin increasing our simcha as Adar enters, not just when the scroll is opened on the night of the 14th?
There’s no greater simcha than the resolution of doubt! This fundamental idea in Jewish thought can help us formulate an answer.
We live in a world of hester panim. Literally translated as “G-d’s face in hiding”, this unfortunate reality means that uncovering G-d’s truth and love in this world requires more of an effort. They exist just as much as ever, but through our skewed perception and desires, we have the ability to choose not to acknowledge them. We distance ourselves from our Creator by not seeing HaShem in every aspect of our lives.
To the extent that we detach ourselves from truth, we draw closer to doubt and uncertainty. We act in ways that are seemingly desirous for the moment, but end up being disappointing and debilitating – often causing us physical, emotional and spiritual harm.
Purim is the ultimate acknowledgement that everything seen through our eyes alone is upside down – v’nahafoch. Whenever we write our own prescription (based on our temporal wants and feelings) our glasses don’t work – even though we think we’re seeing perfectly clear at the time. “Yup, that chocolate cake is just what I need right now.” “It’s fine to say these things about Ploni because, after all, everyone else does.”
Only through the lens of Torah can we have honest and accurate sight – moving past the doubt of self-driven desires toward the simcha of pursuing G-d given goals – the ultimate 20/20 foresight.
This is our preparation for Purim as Adar enters – taking a daily accounting of the myriad gifts HaShem has given us – seeing His unending love for us and conforming our behaviors to His priorities – not rationalizing our actions because it feels good now, or because everyone else is doing it.
Ask yourself how much candy you think HaShem wants you to give your kids – and have around your house – even on Purim. Enjoy the true sweetness of Purim and simcha of clarity – guaranteed not to give you a stomach ache. Good שבת.
Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMC is a Certified Nutrition, Wellness & Weight Management Consultant and Director of SOVEYA (Changing the Jewish World - One Pound at a Time). To contact Soveya: 443-501-3082, info@soveya.com or www.soveya.com
