Growing up, I loved learning the stories of the Hebrew Bible and understanding that God’s mood was constantly changing throughout the different chapters. Sometimes God could be generous, sometimes punishing, and—more often than not—God was like an affectionate and thoughtful parent who wanted whatever was best for the children of Israel. Over time, I also realized that the Jewish seasons—like the anthropomorphic God of our texts—were associated with different moods, feelings, and aspirations. How inspiring is it, that we are able to connect to a God that might be all-powerful or all-knowing but never all-perfect, and to understand the seasons of the year to be so much like our moody, miraculous selves?
We have just entered the Hebrew month of Adar, a time of year—as Rashi explains—that is meant to be one of celebration, marking the great miracle of Jewish survival in the Purim story. We don’t just survive our challenges; we make sure to rejoice after we make it through personal or communal rough patches and narrow spaces. As we prepare to celebrate the spring holidays of Purim and Passover, we are encouraged to embrace the joyful spirit of these festive days.
Throughout the coming season, especially on days when we are battling fatigue or burnout, when we are feeling low from reading another upsetting newspaper headline, or when we are struggling with anything, let us remember to find even some small slice of life to be joyful about, and—if possible—to share that joy with someone we love. May we recognize the small but ever-present miracles each day during this time of Adar.
–Cantor Emma Lutz
