The Gemara (Taanis 29a) tells us that when Adar arrives, one is obligated to increase his gladness – Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B’simcha. So, in honor of today and tomorrow being Rosh Chodesh Adar, I thought we would highlight a song that will help us connect to the essence of Shabbos, while also being closely related to this auspicious month of simcha. Allow me to explain.
Menucha v’simcha ohr layehudim – Contentment, gladness and light for the Jews. This layl Shabbos zemer was composed by a medieval poet named Moshe, and describes the abundant bliss and pleasure that Shabbos brings to our lives. If you read that and thought the first words of this ancient piyut sounded familiar, then you’re on the right track. HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, explained that the opening line of this zemer is based on the pesukim in Megillas Esther (8:16): Layehudim hoysa orah v’simcha, and (9:22): Kayamim asher nachu vahem hayehudim. Now, if we’re going to try to understand some of the parallels that exist between Shabbos and Purim, we may have to post a follow up note after Shabbos – and I think that’s just what we’ll do.
Let’s start at the top. When it comes to Shabbos, we often make mention of a palpable peaceful presence that envelopes us as soon as the candles are lit. And no, it’s not just our imagination! Chazal teach us, “Bah Shabbos, bah menucha” – when Shabbos arrives, menucha enters the world as well. We all talk about it, and we even sing about it… a lot! So it’s no secret that menucha is a big deal and that under normal circumstances, we don’t always have access to it. That’s what makes Shabbos so special.
Simcha, on the other hand, is much more prevalent, and is something that we are privy to all year round. As Yidden, we are challenged to seek out the simcha in our lives, day in, day out, rain or shine, even if we have to dig deep! Yes, there are certain times of the year, or certain events in life that require us to tone it down a bit. But there are other times, such as this month, that we are actually told to increase our simcha, and to bring it to a whole new level!
However – and here’s the catch – there are periods of time when we may be b’simcha – we may be overcome by an overwhelming sense of joy, however, circumstances may be too hectic to fully experience the happy occasion. We have the simcha, but we are missing the menucha. And then there are times that are just the opposite. We may find ourselves in an atmosphere of menucha – a feeling of calm washes over us, but true joy is nowhere to be seen, and we are left lacking in our moment of tranquility.
Yet each Friday Night, week after week, as the sky is set aglow with the glorious hues of the setting sun, Shabbos enters our homes, and suddenly we are reunited with these two elusive elements – menucha and simcha. For the first time in six days, we have the ability to exhale. We are finally able to identify and testify that Hashem is the Creator of the world, and with that comes the serenity and bliss for which Shabbos is best known. To have such clarity – to know that He is the One in charge – is what rids us of our worries and allows us to experience both menucha AND simcha at the same time.
This, in a nutshell, is the avodah of Simchas Purim. We aspire to reach such a level of faith in the Ribono Shel Olam that even when we are faced with the challenges of life, and although we cannot see Him when He is hidden behind the disguise of nature, we are still confident in the fact that He is right there with us, pulling all the strings.
So without further ado, let’s get to today’s song. Menucha V’simcha was actually composed by an unknown songwriter and was taught to Yerachmiel Begun by his father, a’h, who had heard it from someone else. Yerachmiel loved it so much that he used it on the Miami Boys Choir album called Klal Yisroel Together in 1987, and it has been a hit ever since. This classic composition has graced Shabbos tables everywhere, so while you may have heard it before, it is my hope that what you have read here has added new meaning to an otherwise old tune.
Wishing everyone a joyous Yom Menucha, and a freilichin Rosh Chodesh Adar!
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