The Chai Times // ABC: Always Be Celebrating
Feb 23, 2024 5:16 pm
Today is the 14th of Adar 1 - or in other words, Purim Katan, Little Purim.
In the concluding gloss of the first book of the Code of Jewish Law, Rabbi Moses Isserlis writes:
“There are those who say that one is obligated to increase in joy and feasting on the 14th of Adar I (i.e., Purim Katan); however, this is not the practice. Nonetheless, one should increase somewhat his joy and feasting in order to fulfill the words of those who are stringent, [as it states in Proverbs,] ‘One who is of good heart is festive always.'
The Rebbe points out that at first glance it seems strange that this was the day chosen to teach us the principle that one should always rejoice. After all, other than the custom to add something extra to your meal, there isn’t much we do on this day.
Yet, that is the point.
Joy is not restricted to days on which there are great happenings, such as the conclusion of the Torah on Simchat Torah or the grand Purim feasts a month from now. Even on seemingly mundane days, we have to be in a constant state of joy. For joy breaks all boundaries, including those of our exile, and hastens the ultimate redemption.
Wishing you an uplifting Shabbat,
Rabbi Mendy & Mussy
p.s. As always, we would love to chat with you over coffee or drinks, about Judaism, or just life - reply to this email.
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