Adar for Dummies

Adar is a word that has a special meaning in the Jewish calendar. In this calendar, each month represents a different time of the year, and Adar specifically falls in the late winter or early spring, depending on the year. Imagine you're playing a game and you get an extra turn, or you find an extra piece of candy that you weren't expecting. That's kind of what Adar is like in the Jewish calendar—it's an extra month!

You see, a normal year in the Jewish calendar has 12 months, just like a regular year. But every few years, they add an extra month to make sure their calendar stays in sync with the moon and the seasons. And that extra month? That's Adar!

Now, Adar isn't just any extra month—they actually add it twice in a cycle, called Adar I and Adar II. It's kind of like having two bonus rounds of a game! And just like any bonus round, it brings even more joy and celebration.

In the Jewish tradition, the month of Adar is a time of happiness and festivities. It's when the holiday of Purim is celebrated, which is all about dressing up in costumes, giving gifts, and feasting. It's like going to a big party where everyone is laughing, playing games, and having a wonderful time. So when you hear the word "Adar," think of it as a time of extra joy and celebration in the Jewish calendar.

In summary, Adar means an extra month in the Jewish calendar that brings joy, celebrations, and festivities. It's like getting an extra turn in a game or finding an unexpected treat—it's a bonus that adds even more happiness to the calendar!