Two Adars: Expressing Joy

Q. The Gemarah states, “Rav said that when the month of Adar begins, we increase our joy” (Taanis 29a). In what way do we express this increase in joy?

A. It is interesting to note that neither the Rambam nor Shulchan Aruch make mention of the obligation to increase our joy during Adar, though it is mentioned by the Magen Avrohom (686:5). The Chasam Sofer (OC 160) maintains that the Shulchan Aruch omits Rav’s statement because he does not accept it as halacha.

Nimukei Orach Chaim (siman 686) writes that we do follow the ruling of Rav. Nonetheless, the Shulchan Oruch does not quote Rav’s statement because joy is an emotional experience, and it is not possible to codify a specific manner to accomplish this. L’horos Nosson (introduction Vol. 3) suggests that the best way to increase joy during the month of Adar is by increasing our Torah study, as is stated in Tehillim 19:9, “The instructions of G-d are just, they gladden the heart” (Tehillim 19:9).

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.