M’she’nichnas Adar Marbin B’simcha
One more interesting point is to discuss the famous ruling of: “M’she’nichnas Adar marbin b’simcha – at the advent of Adar one should add to the rejoicing.” Does that begin in the 1st Adar or the 2nd?
The Yaavetz (Sheilas Yaavetz 88) writes that this extra joy only applies in the 2nd Adar. He bases this on the words of Rashi, who explains that the added simcha is because it is the days of Purim and Pesach. He explains that Rashi understood that the yom tov of Purim itself would not be enough to warrant the additional simcha for the entire month. It is only because there is a double simcha, two months that have great yomim tovim that are back to back, that give us a reason to raise the bar of the simcha level.
This is why we don’t find an added simcha in any other month of great yomim tovim such as Kisleiv. The Gemara only dictates that we add the level of simcha when Adar arrives, because we have two months of holidays back to back. According to this understanding, “M’she’nichnas Adar marbin b’simcha” only applies in the 2nd Adar, which is back to back with Pesach, but not in the 1st Adar.
On the other hand, the Chasam Sofer signs off one of his teshuvos, “Rosh Chodesh Adar Alef – when we add simcha.” It would seem clear from his words that he was of the opinion that the added simcha begins in the first Adar. Indeed, it is told that when Rav Vozner zt”l showed the Chazon Ish this teshuva, the Chazon Ish replied that, indeed, the Chasam Sofer was so great that we can even deduce halachos from the date he writes for the teshuva.
Rosh Chodesh Bentching
When it comes to Rosh Chodesh bentching, the Mishna Berura (427:3) writes adds that the correct text depends on the machlokes mentioned previously, if the term Adar refers to the 1st Adar or the 2nd Adar. Therefore, for Adar Rishon, according to the Tur and the Rama, it should be sufficient to say Adar. However, he adds that the Acharonim add that you might as well do it right according to all opinions, and one should be specific for both months. The Shaar Efraim adds that one should not say “Adar Rishon,” but rather “Adar Harishon.”
In Conclusion
There is a machlokes if one should add to the regular simcha, starting in the 1st Adar, or if it is only applicable in the 2nd Adar. When it comes to Rosh Chodesh bentching, the best is to be specific for both months, and say Adar Rishon or Adar Harishon and Adar Sheni.
Rabbi Scheiner
