The Biblical Significance of the Month of Adar

Adar is the twelfth, last month in the Hebrew calendar. It is immediately followed by Nisan, which is “the beginning of months” (Exodus 12:2).

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In Jewish tradition, there is a saying “when the month of Adar arrives, we increase in joy” to welcome a season of miracles. The Hebrew name “Adar” is related to the word “adir,” which denotes strength and power. Adar was the last month the Jewish people spent in slavery in Egypt before the Exodus. Adar’s joy is so great, in part, because it serves as the opening to an even greater rejoicing: the miracles of Passover. However, it starts on a completely different note.