In the beginning of the winter this year we were totally absorbed in the news  from the country we lived most of our lives, the country we love and have been proud to be part of. Every day was exciting and suspenseful. It was difficult to sort out the truth from the sea of dis information and venom. We watched in disbelief as it looked like the people were robbed of their choice of the leader, and then we saw subsequent unravelling of all sense of justice, truthfulness and even common sense. The political landscape seemed to have its parallel in the physical reality with the infection spreading around the world. The strange side-effects of loosing smell and taste, and cases of distortion of vision seemed to be a fitting physical reflection of the spiritual distortion of all senses of right and wrong, healthy and sick.… Interestingly, a similar situation has been described more then 200 years ago in Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s story entitled  “The Seven Beggars”, specifically in the story of the second (deaf) beggar. (All of Rabbi Nachman’ stories are exciting, funny, and worth reading.)

But now the Jewish month of Adar is here, and we turn from the “world of falsehood” to the world of truth. In Adar, we have a Mitzva (commandment) to increase joy every day, as a spiritual preparation to the Holiday of Purim, which comes on the 14th day of Adar. Living in Israel, the joy comes naturally, as the signs of spring are everywhere. Hiking with friends in Tzfat environs, one can see blossoming Shkedia (Almond trees) , the fields of red Israeli Kalaniot (anemones), and hear the symphony of birds singing.

The town too has come alive. Purim is in five days, and there is already a feeling a growing excitement; the streets are full of people (The israeli official lockdown has ended, and more stores are getting open). The people are busily and cheerfully shopping for Purim presents and costumes. There is a new construction and re-building everywhere. Every Shabbos there are more visitors to the city (although mostly Israelis), and more attendance in the synagogues (still with social distancing precautions etc.)

A lot of learning and social events are still on Zoom, but the mood is increasingly light and joyful. The feeling of togetherness is stronger, and there is a lot of kindness and mutual help, which reflects two important mitzvot of Purim: giving presents to friends and giving charity to the poor. All this contributes to the feeling of happiness of being in the place where we belong, sharing in the life of the people here, and ever-increasing appreciation of living in Tzfat – a place of holiness and kindness.