This Shabbat is the first day of the month of Adar, which means that Purim is in two weeks!
The Talmud says that when the month of Adar begins we should increase our joy. Of course, Purim is a very joyous holiday, but the entire month is special to the extent every single day this month is imbued with extra joy.
Not by chance (no such thing; everything is divine providence) today also marks the Lunar New Year of the Ox.
Here are some life-long lessons we can learn from Oxen:
FACT: Oxen love their stability and find comfort in consistency.
LESSON: Success isn’t always about greatness. It about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.
FACT: Oxen don’t shy away from hard work and aren’t afraid to do what it takes to get the job done, regardless of how long it takes.
LESSON: Hard work beats talent, if talent doesn’t work hard!
FACT: Oxen work best when accompanied with a partner of its kind.
LESSON: Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.
FACT: Oxen can be huge perfectionists.
LESSON: There are two kinds of perfect: The one you can never achieve, and the other, by just being yourself.
Nothing is more joyful than working hard and truly accomplishing something. Don’t give up and remember true joy comes from within.
Wishing you a very joyous month and looking forward to seeing you on Purim on Feb. 25!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Shlomi Tabib
