A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem... The Gemara in Taanit is the source of the well- known MISHENICHNAS ADAR MARBIM B'SIM- CHA. Rashi on that Gemara explains that it is because of the miracles of Purim and Pesach. The implication of Rashi is that it is not just Adar that is a joyous month, but Nissan as well. To look at the issue from a different angle, it is clear that the laws, customs, and celebration of Purim ends with the 15th of the month. That's only half of Adar. But the month and the one that follow are joyous months, so the feelings of joy continue beyond Purim and spread throughout the whole month, and beyond. Purim actually begins the pre-Pesach period in that one is supposed to involve himself in learning and asking about the many halachot of Pesach from as early as 30 days before the Chag. [The
Parshat Ki-Tisa Homepage]
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