Ki Tisa
Dear Friend,
If you look closely at your Jewish calendar, you will see that this week we celebrate Purim Katan—the “small Purim.” Since this year is a Jewish leap year, and we have an extra month of Adar, the joyous holiday of Purim has been pushed off until 14 Adar II. Yet we celebrate 14 Adar I as Purim Katan.
The Code of Jewish law writes about Purim Katan (quoting from Proverbs), “He who is glad of heart rejoices constantly.”
It seems strange that this was the day chosen to teach us about rejoicing. After all, other than the custom to add something extra to your meal, there isn’t much we do on this day—just make sure not to fast, say certain overly heavy prayers, or deliver a eulogy.
Yet, that is the point. Even on days when there are no great happenings like the conclusion of the Torah or grand Purim feasts, we have to be in in a constant state of joy—just because we each contain a piece of G‑d, and He loves us.
Yehuda Shurpin,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
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