This week we entered into the Hebrew month of Adar, which is extra special to me because it is the month after which we named our daughter when she was born.
It just seemed right.
Primarily, because she was born in the month of Adar.
But also because Judaism considers Adar to be a time where we can expect both joy and good fortune. After all, Purim is in Adar, our Exodus began in Adar, and Jewish mystics hold that this month is one where amazing things happen to us regardless of the era.
Jewish time runs on a solar-lunar calendar (as does the Chinese year) and so this new moon that marks the lunar new-year is one that indicates the beginning of a great part of our spiritual cycle.
The days are getting warmer, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and we have some of the most fun and profound Jewish holidays on the near horizon.
What a great name to give to a child who we knew would bring us so much joy, and hope.
In Judaism names are important, sometimes optimistically prophetic while maintaining the avenues of memory, values and tradition.
Names matter. Time matters. Memory matters.
May this month of Adar be fortuitous to you, to your family, and to the Jewish people to the ends of the earth.
Shabbat shalom.
