The Simcha of Purim Connects Us to HaShem

by Elisheva bas Chana

Judaica Art by Rochelle Blumenfeld

Mishenichnas Adar, Marbim B’Simcha — Taanit 29a. When the month of Adar enters, we increase our joy.

Many of our holidays bring us joy, but none, apart from Purim, affects the whole month. Rashi explains that we must increase our happiness at the beginning of the month of Adar because these days are when the miracles of Purim took place.

With senseless hatred defeated, and Pesach entering our minds, we celebrate the day HaShem guided us towards our redemption from Mitzrayim, Matan Torah, and the beginning of our journey.

Esther’s achievement in Persia was unfathomable; she saved the Jewish people from destruction. While Haman thought that his wealth and power would eradicate the whole Jewish nation, it was Haman himself who was killed and replaced by Mordechai. The miracles which led to victory are a reason to celebrate and fill our hearts with happiness.

Sometimes there are reasons not to be happy, when our future looks bleak. Just accept these feelings, and when you are feeling sad, talk to someone close to you. Davening and placing all your troubles in the hands of HaShem will give you more emunah, but at the same time embrace the simcha Adar is giving us.

The biggest gift HaShem has given us is life itself, knowing we are part of His plan — something bigger and beyond our comprehension. Being part of this amazing journey, and the many stories in history we keep close to our hearts, fills us with happiness.

Neither Haman nor Pharaoh destroyed us. Just enjoy the challenges you are facing, with the miracles of the month of Adar in mind. HaShem has given us a choice to be — a mirror of our inclinations, our middos — and to recognise that our neshama is a Chelek Elokah Mima’al Mamash — a part of HaShem Himself.

Simcha is essential in serving HaShem. Bitachon and emunah enable us to understand the messages HaShem is giving us — learning Torah, keeping Shabbos, performing mitzvos, and in everything we do.

“The Divine Presence rests on a person only through rejoicing in a mitzvah.” — Shabbos 30b.

When hardship strikes, we can still approach it with happiness, as it will make whatever we have to carry lighter — not as a burden but as a challenge, an opportunity for spiritual growth which elevates our neshama.

Can we overcome sadness by being happy?

Happiness is a state of mind. When we are in pain, we must remember that pain exists to improve our lives. Suffering is not as random as it may seem, but a wake-up call to improve our spiritual and emotional well-being and to alert our neshama to reconnect to HaShem.

Happiness is not a result of our circumstances. Judaism views happiness as a way of thinking; we can change our reality by changing our mind, which brings us to the true meaning of Purim.

Purim inspires us and gives us the tools we need to rectify humanity. When we celebrate Purim, we are increasing our joy throughout the year. Every Motzei Shabbos, before Havdalah, reminds us of “LaYehudim hayta ora v’simcha” — for the Jews had light and joy.

Our survival was not the cause for joy; that they failed to destroy us was a relief. When we rejoice on Purim, we are saying to the Hamans of our time that we will not be intimidated, nor will we be their victims. We love life, we laugh and dance; the joy of Purim has its own meaning.

Our existence is not about surviving; it is beyond that. It is life itself that we celebrate, trusting the only One we can trust — HaShem.

“Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will not fear, for HaShem is always with us.”

Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha

LaYehudim ★ Avraham Fried

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Elisheva bas Chana – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.