You are part of a growing community of women joining together monthly on Rosh Chodesh for inspiration and connection. The mazal or astrological sign of the month of Adar is fish. While the mazal is not specifically referring to a kosher fish, the features of a kosher fish impart a valuable lesson worth exploring. A kosher fish has two features, scales and fins. Why these specific signs? Rabbi Joshua Shmidman zatzal, my late father-in-law observed that these signs, as with the kosher signs of animals, suggest valuing both the past and the future. The scales hold the fish back while the fins propel it forward. As Jews, we value history, learning lessons from our past. At the same time, we invest in our future, nurturing our children and sharing our life mission with them. In this month of Adar, we acknowledge these two values when we recite the עַל הַנִּסִּים Tefillah on Purim. The phrase, "בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בִּזְּמַן הַזֶּה", in those days in this time, underscores the value of past, present and future. We emphasize these themes as we commemorate Purim, not just as an event of the past but as an event which we experience and continue to treasure as our people continue forward. I look forward to meeting you virtually and being inspired together. Please join us this Tuesday at 12:00 noon EDT/7:00 pm Israel time to hear Professor Shoshana Schechter speak about Chodesh Adar. Professor Schechter is Director, Mechina Pathways Jewish Studies Program; Professor of Bible, Stern College for Women, New York, NY.
Chodesh Tov, 
Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman
Director, The Women's Initiative ou.org/women Share this message on: Facebook | Twitter |
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