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Invitation To Joy In The Hebrew Month of Adar
March 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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On the Jewish calendar the Hebrew month of Adar is an invitation to cultivate joy. In the book of Esther, read on Purim, the text states: “That month was reversed for them from grief to joy” (Esther 9:22). In other words, the month of Adar was declared a month of happiness, not because the people were already joyful but because they were full of grief that shifted to joy.
In the cold, dark winter, with the news of the world bringing pain and worry, we are in a Jewish season that invites us to locate joy within ourselves, if even for a moment. The Baal Shem Tov teaches that when we create joy in our lives, we arouse the Divine joy which leads to the opening of the channels of even more blessing, bringing more joy. In short, there is momentum to this, if we can cultivate gladness, it will lead to more joy.
So how might we do that? We might notice that the days are getting longer and savor the added daylight. We might develop a daily practice of cultivating gratitude. We might spend time with that which nourishes the spirit ‐ community time, nature time, spiritual practices, kind deeds, connecting to our inner mission, whatever it is that truly sustains you.
Life is difficult and the world is wildly imperfect. But even as we struggle for healing, for tikkun olam, we are encouraged to let in joy and goodness, wherever we are able. As you read this newsletter you'll see many opportunities to cultivate comfort and joy here at Beth Israel. May you find your way to moments of joy and healing and may you have a Happy Adar!
Tue, March 18 2025
18 Adar 5785
Today's Calendar
Upcoming Programs & Events
Mar 18 Adult Ed with Rabbi Richard Hirsh on Zoom Tuesday, Mar 18 7:30pm |
Mar 19 Morning Spiritual Practice (on Zoom) Wednesday, Mar 19 8:30am |
Mar 20 Mussar with Rabbi Linda (Closed group; on Zoom) Thursday, Mar 20 1:00pm |
Mar 21 Shabbat Services with Rabbi Linda (on Zoom) Friday, Mar 21 7:30pm |
Mar 22 Shabbat Services with Rabbi Nathan (in person) Shabbat, Mar 22 9:45am |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Vayakhel
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Congregation Beth Israel of Media
542 S. New Middletown Road
Media, PA 19063
p: (610) 566-4645
f: (610) 566-2240
e-mail: info@bethisraelmedia.org
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Celebrate Shabbat!
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 6:57pm |
Shabbat Services with Rabbi Linda (on Zoom) : 7:30pm |
Shabbat Day
Shabbat Services with Rabbi Nathan (in person) : 9:45am |
Shabbat Lunch, Potluck Desserts : 11:45am |
Raz Memorial Lecture with Rabbi Jeff Sultar (in person) : 12:30pm |
Havdalah : 8:06pm |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Mar 21, 6:57pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Mar 22, 8:06pm |
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