Both Months of Adar
During a leap year (when the month of Adar is repeated), we should apply the theme of the “20th of Adar” to both the 20th of Adar Rishon and Adar Sheini (i.e., during both months). On either date, our observance should not be merely on a spiritual level—but rather, accompanied by practical ramifications.
It is customary to hold a “Tikkun” (where food and beverages are served, and the participants exchange blessings and wishes of “Lechaim” on behalf of the departed).
This positive approach is also emphasized by holding a specifically joyous gathering, accompanied by a Siyum (concluding celebration) over having completed the study of a section of Torah.
Three Loves
On the 20th of Adar, we begin to add, with far greater vigor, in our study of Torah and enhanced observance of Mitzvos. We have begun by holding this present gathering, attended by a great number of Jews, and conducted with brotherly love (Ahavas Achim) and the love and unity between fellow Jews (Ahavas and Achdus Yisrael)—which is in turn bound with love of Hashem. For by having Ahavas Yisrael, we “show affection for those whom our Beloved loves,” i.e., our fellow Jews, who are loved by Hashem, “our Beloved.” To be precise, this involves three loves which are really all one: the love of Hashem, of Torah, and of our fellow Jews.
Two Adars Are Better Than One
It is not clear whether the 20th of Adar in which Moshe was born—and also reached the age of 120 (i.e., his passing)—occurred during a regular year or a leap year. Rather, it is a matter of debate. Seemingly, we could apply the principle to “follow the majority”—and safely assume that the year was a regular year, like the majority of years. The debate takes on practical significance during a leap year: which is the correct month to celebrate the 20th of Adar—should we celebrate it during the first month or the second…? One thing is certain: we should apply the theme of the “20th of Adar” to both the 20th of Adar Rishon and Adar Sheini. Further, we should not only do so in the abstract manner (reflecting the fact that “both opinions [in a Rabbinic debate, even the ‘rejected’ view] are [considered] the words of the Living G-d”). Rather, we should express the theme of the 20th of Adar during both months—literally, in actuality, in the manner of “Hashem was with him, so that the Halachah [the final law] accords with his view,” i.e., we should see either view as being the practical law in this regard… This way we double the theme of the “20th of Adar” by celebrating it twice…
