In the Jewish calendar, the 12th month is known as Adar. This month is filled with joy, festivities, and religious observances that hold significant meaning for the Jewish people.
Historically, Adar was the last month of the Jewish year, but with the addition of the intercalary month of Adar II, it now falls as the 12th month in a regular year and the 13th month in a leap year. Regardless of its position in the calendar, Adar remains a special time for celebration and reflection within the Jewish community.
The month of Adar is a time of great celebration, marked by the joyous holiday of Purim. This festival commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recounted in the Book of Esther. During Purim, Jews exchange gifts, eat festive foods, and attend synagogue services, all while remembering the bravery of Queen Esther and the triumph of good over evil.
12th Jewish Month
Celebration, joy, and deliverance.
- Last month of Jewish year.
- 12th month in regular year.
- 13th month in leap year.
- Purim festival.
- Commemorates deliverance from annihilation.
- Gift exchange.
- Festive foods.
- Synagogue services.
Adar is a time of great joy, celebration, and reflection for the Jewish people.
Last month of Jewish year.
Historically, Adar was the last month of the Jewish year. This is reflected in the Hebrew name for the month, which is derived from the Akkadian word "adaru," meaning "end" or "conclusion." Adar was seen as a time of completion and reflection, marking the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of a new year.
The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning that it is based on both the cycles of the moon and the sun. As a result, the Jewish year is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year. To account for this difference, a leap year is added to the Jewish calendar approximately every three years. During a leap year, an additional month, known as Adar II, is inserted before Adar.
In a regular year, Adar consists of 29 days. However, in a leap year, Adar II also consists of 29 days, making Adar the longest month in the Jewish calendar.
The last day of Adar is known as Adar Sheni, or "Second Adar." This day is observed as a minor holiday, with special prayers and readings in the synagogue.
Although Adar is no longer the last month of the Jewish year, it retains its significance as a time of celebration and reflection, marking the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
12th Month in Regular Year
In a regular year, Adar is the 12th and final month of the Jewish calendar.
- 29 days: Adar consists of 29 days in a regular year.
- Purim: The joyous festival of Purim falls in the month of Adar. Purim commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
- Fast of Esther: The Fast of Esther, also known as Ta'anit Esther, is observed on the day before Purim. This fast commemorates the three-day fast that Esther undertook before she approached King Ahasuerus to plead for the lives of the Jewish people.
- Adar Sheni: The last day of Adar is known as Adar Sheni, or "Second Adar." This day is observed as a minor holiday, with special prayers and readings in the synagogue.
Adar is a month of great joy and celebration in the Jewish calendar. It is a time to remember the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people, to celebrate the gift of life, and to reflect on the blessings of the past year.
13th Month in Leap Year
In a leap year, Adar is the 13th month of the Jewish calendar.
- Adar I and Adar II: In a leap year, the month of Adar is divided into two parts: Adar I and Adar II. Adar I is the 12th month of the year, and Adar II is the 13th month.
- 29 days each: Both Adar I and Adar II consist of 29 days in a leap year.
- Purim: The festival of Purim is celebrated in Adar I. All other observances associated with Adar, such as the Fast of Esther and Adar Sheni, are also observed in Adar I.
- Leap year calculation: The Jewish calendar follows a 19-year cycle, with seven leap years in each cycle. Leap years occur in years 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 19 of the cycle.
The addition of Adar II in a leap year ensures that the Jewish calendar remains synchronized with the solar year, preventing the holidays from drifting out of season.
Purim Festival
Purim is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated holidays in the Jewish calendar. It falls in the month of Adar and commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
- Story of Purim: The story of Purim begins in the ancient Persian Empire, where a Jewish woman named Esther becomes queen to King Ahasuerus. When the king's advisor, Haman, plots to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom, Esther risks her life to expose his plan and save her people.
- Triumph of good over evil: Purim celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people. It is a time to remember the bravery of Queen Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai, and the power of faith.
- Festivities: Purim is celebrated with a variety of festive activities, including gift-giving, parties, and special meals. Children often dress up in costumes and go door-to-door reciting verses from the Book of Esther, a tradition known as "Purim spiel."
- Megillah reading: One of the central observances of Purim is the public reading of the Megillah, or Scroll of Esther, in the synagogue. The Megillah tells the story of Purim and is read aloud in a lively and dramatic manner.
Purim is a joyous and festive holiday that celebrates the resilience and survival of the Jewish people. It is a time to come together with family and friends, to share stories, and to rejoice in the triumph of good over evil.
Commemorates Deliverance from Annihilation
At the heart of the Purim festival is the commemoration of the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them. This plot is recounted in the Book of Esther, which is read aloud in synagogues during Purim services.
The story begins in the ancient Persian Empire, where King Ahasuerus rules over a vast kingdom. Haman, the king's advisor, becomes enraged when Mordecai, a Jewish man, refuses to bow down to him. Haman plots to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom, and he convinces the king to issue an edict ordering their annihilation.
When Mordecai learns of Haman's plan, he sends a message to his cousin, Esther, who has become queen to King Ahasuerus. Esther risks her life by approaching the king uninvited, and she reveals Haman's plot. The king orders Haman to be hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai.
The Jews are saved from annihilation, and they celebrate their deliverance with a joyous festival. This festival is known as Purim, which means "lots," because Haman had cast lots to determine the day on which the Jews would be destroyed.
Purim is a time to remember the bravery of Queen Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai, and the power of faith. It is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail.
Gift Exchange
Exchanging gifts is a popular tradition during Purim. This custom is based on the commandment in the Torah to "remember what Amalek did to you" (Deuteronomy 25:17).
- Mishloach Manot: The Hebrew term for gift exchange during Purim is Mishloach Manot, which means "sending portions." It is customary to send at least two gifts of food or drink to at least one friend or family member.
- Anonymous gifts: Traditionally, Purim gifts are sent anonymously. This adds an element of fun and mystery to the exchange, as the recipient tries to guess who sent them the gift.
- Food and drink: Purim gifts typically consist of food and drink items, such as pastries, cookies, fruits, nuts, and wine. It is also common to include small toys or other novelty items in the gift package.
- Spirit of generosity: The exchange of gifts during Purim is a way of expressing love and appreciation for friends and family. It is also a way of spreading joy and happiness throughout the community.
The tradition of gift exchange during Purim is a reminder of the importance of generosity and kindness. It is a time to show our love and support for one another, and to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Festive Foods
Purim is a time for feasting and celebration, and special foods are prepared to mark the occasion. These foods often have symbolic meanings or are associated with the story of Purim.
One of the most popular Purim foods is the hamantaschen, a triangular-shaped pastry filled with sweet fillings such as poppy seeds, prune lekvar, or chocolate. Hamantaschen are said to resemble the three-cornered hat worn by Haman, the villain of the Purim story.
Another popular Purim food is the oznei Haman, which means "Haman's ears" in Hebrew. These are crispy pastries made from a dough that is folded and twisted to resemble ears. They are often sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Kreplach, or filled dumplings, are also a traditional Purim food. They are typically filled with meat or potatoes and served in a broth. Kreplach are said to symbolize the hidden nature of the Purim miracle.
Finally, no Purim celebration is complete without plenty of sweets. Traditional Purim sweets include rugelach, macaroons, and fruit preserves. These treats are often served on a special Purim platter called a mishloach manot.
The festive foods of Purim are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday and to remember the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation.
Synagogue Services
Synagogue services play a central role in the celebration of Purim. These services include special prayers, readings, and customs that commemorate the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation.
- Megillah reading: The highlight of the Purim synagogue service is the public reading of the Megillah, or Scroll of Esther. The Megillah tells the story of Purim in a lively and dramatic manner, and it is read aloud in Hebrew. During the reading, it is customary to make noise with groggers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman, the villain of the story, is mentioned.
- Blessings and prayers: Special blessings and prayers are recited during the Purim synagogue service. These prayers express gratitude to God for delivering the Jewish people from destruction and for granting them victory over their enemies.
- Torah reading: In addition to the Megillah reading, a portion of the Torah is also read during the Purim synagogue service. The Torah reading typically includes the story of the Exodus from Egypt, which is seen as a parallel to the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot.
- Festive atmosphere: Purim synagogue services are often characterized by a festive and joyous atmosphere. Children often dress up in costumes and participate in special Purim programs. After the service, many congregations hold a Purim feast or party to continue the celebration.
Synagogue services on Purim are a meaningful way to commemorate the holiday and to connect with the Jewish community. They provide an opportunity to learn about the story of Purim, to express gratitude to God, and to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 12th Jewish month, Adar:
Question 1: When does Adar occur?
Answer 1: In a regular year, Adar is the 12th and final month of the Jewish calendar. In a leap year, Adar is the 13th month.
Question 2: How long is Adar?
Answer 2: In a regular year, Adar consists of 29 days. In a leap year, Adar is divided into two parts: Adar I and Adar II. Both Adar I and Adar II consist of 29 days.
Question 3: What is the significance of Adar?
Answer 3: Adar is a month of great joy and celebration in the Jewish calendar. It is the month in which the festival of Purim falls. Purim commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
Question 4: What are some of the traditions and customs associated with Adar?
Answer 4: Some of the traditions and customs associated with Adar include gift-giving, parties, special meals, and the public reading of the Megillah, or Scroll of Esther, in the synagogue.
Question 5: What is the significance of Purim?
Answer 5: Purim is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated holidays in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Purim is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith.
Question 6: How is Purim celebrated?
Answer 6: Purim is celebrated with a variety of festive activities, including gift-giving, parties, special meals, and the public reading of the Megillah in the synagogue. Children often dress up in costumes and go door-to-door reciting verses from the Book of Esther, a tradition known as "Purim spiel."
Question 7: What are some of the special foods eaten during Adar?
Answer 7: Some of the special foods eaten during Adar include hamantaschen, oznei Haman, kreplach, and a variety of sweets. These foods often have symbolic meanings or are associated with the story of Purim.
I hope this FAQ has been helpful in answering some of your questions about the 12th Jewish month, Adar. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few tips for celebrating Adar and Purim:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips for celebrating Adar and Purim:
Tip 1: Learn about the story of Purim.
Read the Book of Esther and learn about the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. You can also watch movies or documentaries about Purim to learn more about the holiday.
Tip 2: Attend Purim services at your local synagogue.
Purim synagogue services are a meaningful way to commemorate the holiday and to connect with the Jewish community. During the service, you will hear the Megillah reading, participate in special prayers, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Tip 3: Send mishloach manot (Purim gifts) to friends and family.
Mishloach manot is the tradition of exchanging gifts during Purim. You can send food, drinks, or other small gifts to your loved ones to spread joy and happiness. Be sure to wrap your gifts in a festive way!
Tip 4: Prepare and enjoy special Purim foods.
There are many traditional Purim foods that you can prepare and enjoy during the holiday. Some popular Purim foods include hamantaschen, oznei Haman, kreplach, and a variety of sweets. These foods often have symbolic meanings or are associated with the story of Purim.
Tip 5: Participate in Purim festivities.
Many Jewish communities host Purim parties, carnivals, and other festive events. These events are a great way to celebrate the holiday with your family and friends. Children often dress up in costumes and participate in Purim spiel, a tradition where they go door-to-door reciting verses from the Book of Esther.
I hope these tips help you to celebrate Adar and Purim in a meaningful and joyful way.
Purim is a time for celebration, joy, and reflection. It is a time to remember the bravery of Queen Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai, and the power of faith. It is also a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the resilience of the Jewish people.
Conclusion
Adar, the 12th month of the Jewish calendar, is a time of great joy, celebration, and reflection. It is the month in which the festival of Purim falls, commemorating the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.
Purim is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, the power of faith, and the resilience of the Jewish people. It is a time to come together with family and friends, to exchange gifts, to enjoy festive foods, and to participate in joyful festivities.
In addition to Purim, Adar is also a time to reflect on the past year and to prepare for the new year to come. It is a time to let go of the old and to embrace the new, to forgive and to be forgiven, and to set new goals and aspirations.
As we celebrate Adar and Purim, let us remember the lessons of the Purim story: that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail; that good will always triumph over evil; and that the Jewish people, despite all the challenges they have faced, will continue to thrive and prosper.
Chag Purim Sameach! (Happy Purim!)