‘Adar’ is derived from an Akkadian (an ancient Semitic language) word ‘Addaru’, which probably is related to ‘Iddar’ which means a threshing floor. ‘Addaru literally means ‘dark’ or ‘clouded’. Adar could mean the dark or clouded month.
The name Adar is also similar to a Hebrew word for strength; "Adir"
This is usually the last month of the year, the twelfth. (Note that some years, like this year, a thirteenth month is added, Adar 2)
Being near the end of the year, one can contemplate reflectively over the past year on how our progress has been in drawing closer in love to Hashem. The New Year will begin with the special month of Aviv, and the Appointed time of Pesach. Have we prepared our hearts to leave “Egypt” (in the spirit)? Are we ready for the call next month, if the call should come; “..with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste.” Exodus 12vs11b
As we consider our progress made this year, during this month we have five Shabbats to be set apart, a Rosh Chodesh, and the festival of Purim. (Although, by tradition this festival is postponed from the 12th to the 13th month whenever there is such a month). The festival is instituted in the book of Esther 9vs28; “and that these days should be remembered and observed throughout every generation, every clan, every province, and every city, and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Yehudim, and that the remembrance of them should not cease from their seed.”
The important point is to remember, with sadness, perhaps with fasting as Esther did, and also with great joy of celebration, the deliverance of the set apart people. Note that although the Jews were ‘delivered’ from death by execution, they were not fully ‘redeemed’ back to the land of Israel, but remained in exile. Yet we still celebrate this deliverance as a gift from Elohim.
By faith in Yeshuah, we are delivered. Yet we await full redemption into His Kingdom yet to come. We await His return to Zion, and His great ingathering. Yet we celebrate deliverance, through Purim, remembering the self-sacrifice of one that saved a nation.
Shalom and welcome to this presentation of what is a very ancient calendar system
