Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Today we mark the beginning of the Hebrew month of Adar אדר, which means Purim פורים is but a couple weeks away. The name of the month אדר Adar, like many of the months in the Hebrew calendar, derives from the ancient Akkadian and Babylonian calendars. Adar אדר is connected to the Hebrew word Adir אדיר – meaning strength.  

The Mazel מזל or star sign for Adar אדר is the fish (Pisces). As creatures of the sea, fish remain largely hidden and concealed from sight. Jewish tradition relates this concept to the Purim פורים story, with its themes of God hidden, Esther hiding her Jewish identity, events being overturned and people not being as they initially seem. Fish are also seen as a symbol of fertility, blessing, good fortune and fruitfulness.

The Talmud states מי שנכנס אדר מרבים בשמחה “Mishenichnas Adar Marbin BeSimchah” – “When Adar enters, our joy increases” (Ta’anit 29a). In one respect we celebrate this joy on Purim with silliness and merrymaking. From a different perspective, level the joy that is being referred to here is the joy of having a happy and purposeful future to look forward to.

So, as we journey through the month of אדר Adar, what can we do in our lives and the lives of others to bring about good fortune, strength, joy and peace? 

Next week we will be getting ready for Purim in a number of ways:

SRC representatives Mia Goodridge and Mahli Olian with a selection of items for our Tikkun Tonga collection

מתנות לאביונים (Matanot Le’Evyonim) 
The מצוה (Mitzvah) of Giving to the Less Fortunate

This year we are supporting a charity to assist people in Tonga impacted by the recent volcanic eruption:

• We are collecting the following items: flour, sugar, rice, tinned fish, tinned vegetables, cooking oil, washing powder, dishwashing liquid, tea towels, shampoo, soap, sanitary pads, baby wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste
• A Gofundme page has been organised by one of our parents. If you wish to contribute please click here. 
• Each student is invited to bring at least two items to their classroom next week

ראש לרגל Rosh Le’Regel
Crazy Hat Day and Gold Coin

On Friday 11 March 2022, Primary students are invited to come to school wearing their regular Friday uniform in combination with a crazy, creative, fun hat on their ראש. This will be a gold coin day. These be collected and given to our Purim tzedakah project, Tikkun Tonga.