In this week’s parshah, Pekudei, we learn that Bnai Israel completed all tasks associated with building the Mishkanthe dwelling place for God. With this parshah, we also complete our reading of Sefer ShemotThe Book of Exodus. As we complete important tasks, we take a moment to practice the middah: “Aim to finish what you start.” 

Our parshah also coincides with another ending: We enter into the month of Adar Bet, the last month of the Jewish year. (Nissan, the month of spring and Pesach, is the first month of the calendar year, and Adar Bet is the last).  

Today, we celebrate Rosh Chosesh Adar Bet by singing the Talmudic dictum:

משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה

“From the moment Adar enters, we increase our joy.”

We conclude our year with a commandment to rejoice!  

This Shabbat, and all month of Adar II, may we take pride in the Mishkanthe dwelling place for Godthat we produce through our joy as a community.   

Shabbat Shalom Verosh Chodesh Adar Sameach,   

Moreh Greg