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eRosh Blog: The Birth and Death of Moses
By Toby Janicki | Comments (1) | Posted on February 19, 2008
This year, 5768, being a leap year creates some minor difficulties in observing and celebrating select customs and mitzvot. There is a discussion in the Talmud b.Nedarim 63a in which Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Judah each give a valid reason as to which of the two Adars during a leap year is the official Adar. The decision of Rabbi Meir was accepted and thus Adar II is deemed the official Adar. Nonetheless, because the Sages teach that one should seek to perform a mitzvah at the earliest possible moment, some customs (e.g. birthdays) are observed in Adar I. Some communities will observe such in both Adar I and Adar II (this even includes honoring the deceased with their annual yartzeit—the remembrance of the deceased which includes the lighting of a memorial candle and the recital of select prayers).
In light of the above, both Moses’ birth and circumcision are remembered throughout Judaism on both Adars. According to the historical authorities who believed Moses to be born on 7 Adar his circumcision is recalled eight days later on 14 Adar.
Also on 14 Adar the holiday of Purim Katan, “little Purim,” is observed. Purim celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from the decree of Haman as recorded in the book of Esther. Since Adar II is viewed as the official Adar, the festivities of Purim are generally not observed on Purim Katan. Nonetheless, due to the significance of the day, certain customs are usually observed. These include the omission of the Tachanun (supplication) and Vidui (confession) penitential supplications from the daily prayers after the recital of the Amidah (these prayers are pleas to God for His mercy and forgiveness). Also, fasting is generally forbidden. It is suggested that one increase the amount of festivity throughout the day but it is not obligatory to do so.
The second day of Purim Katan is known as Shushan Purim Katan. This day commemorates the victory of the Jews within the walled city of Shushan. According to the text of Esther, the Jews of Shushan gathered on the 13th and 14th of Adar and rested on the 15th of Adar making it a day of feasting and rejoicing (see Esther 9:18). According to Esther 9:19 the Jews of the unwalled cities observed the 14th of Adar. Therefore, throughout history, those who live in Jerusalem and any walled cities celebrate Shushan Purim on the 15th of Adar as well as Purim on the 14th. During a leap year, those who live in walled cities observe Shushan Purim according to the same customs mentioned above for Purim Katan.
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Visitor Comments
When I use the other method, the method from our Scriptures, of starting the new year on the first new moon after the barley we do not have a problem with leap years.
**Toby Responds** Actually in our opinion the method that FFOZ follows is Scriptural and from my experience in the past the barley calendar also has problems with leap years. :)
Posted by: A. Lejune | February 19, 2008 7:17 PM