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"Be happy. It's Adar!"
-A common phrase pulled from the wisdom of the Talmud, Ta’anit 29a

Among the many beautiful — and sometimes odd — commandments we have in Judaism, one of my favorites is to "be happy during the month of Adar." This year, the month of Adar coincides with the month of March, when we begin to enjoy some slightly warmer weather, and more days spent outside in the sunshine. 

Although the work of preschool teachers and staff can be challenging, this commandment is spot on, and we think it should apply to every month of the year, because it surely does here at DECC. There is so much joy to be found throughout our days. In January, our Family Education administrator, Kin Wan, taught our Lizard and Dolphin classes how her family celebrates the Lunar New Year by making delicious dumplings from scratch for students to taste. Similar to how we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Lunar New Year encourages people to literally sweep out the old and negative and usher in the bright new year. And in February, we celebrated Friendship Day, a fun opportunity to show love and care for our friends and teachers through cards, treats, and hugs. 
 
But the real reason we’re commanded to be happy, specifically during the month of Adar, is because we celebrate a Jewish holiday called Purim. At Temple Israel, we get to watch adorable kids perform a Purim Shpiel (a play) and join together after for a Carnival, complete with games, prizes, and hamatashen (delicious buttery cookies with a sweet filling) in addition to a magic show and the opportunity to pet exotic animals, including snakes. (I know, I know...but the kids love this Carnival exhibit!)

During Purim, we read the Book of Esther — also called the Megillah — which tells the story of how Jewish people throughout Persia found ways to practice their Judaism in the face of antisemitism. Queen Esther, the story's heroine, fights for our people and against all odds, she prevails. With all that is happening in the world around us, it's easy to empathize with how they must have felt during that time, and just like back then, we continue to find the beauty in Judaism and many other cultures, even when others may not see it. 

We find strength and pride in being a part of a resilient Jewish community, and even in the darkest of times, we embody this commandment. Because being Jewish is synonymous with joy and celebration, and no matter what may be happening in the world, we'll continue to be a beacon of light and love for our community. 

Come and be happy with us and celebrate Adar at the Purim Shpiel and Carnival on Sunday, March 9! We promise you joy, celebration, and of course, lots of snakes.

L’shalom,
Lesley Goldenberg