Rediscovering Adar: Celebrations from Talmudic Times

In ancient times, when the Temple stood, Adar was filled with joyous celebrations marked in the "Scroll of the Fasts." On these days, people rejoiced, and mourning or fasting was forbidden.

On the 8th and 9th of Adar, Israel celebrated "the Days of Rain," as prayers for rain were answered in drought years.

12th of Adar: The Second Temple was completed during Herod's reign..

12th of Adar: The Day of Turinus: When Turinus's daughter was found dead near Lod, he captured the brothers Lulianus and Pappus there, intending to kill them... Suddenly, two Roman officials arrived and killed Turinus in a brutal manner, fracturing his skull with wooden stakes. The brothers were saved from his decree.

13th of Adar – "Nicanor Day": Antiochus's general raised his hand against Judah and Jerusalem, cursing the Temple, saying, "When will it fall to my hand to trample it?" When the Hasmonean rule triumphed, they beheaded him and cut off his feet and hands, declaring, "The mouth that spoke arrogantly and the hands that were raised against Judah and Jerusalem and the Temple shall face vengeance," marking this as a festive day..

16th of Adar: Cyrus, King of Persia, declared permission to rebuild the Temple. They began constructing the walls of Jerusalem on this day, celebrating it as a holiday.

17th of Adar: When King Yannai went to kill the sages of Israel, they fled to Syria. Enemies surrounded them, intending to kill them, but great miracles occurred on this day, saving the sages from their adversaries.

20th of Adar: Choni the Circle Maker's prayers for rain were answered.

21st of Adar: Darius II, son of Esther and Ahasuerus, ascends to the throne, wisely permitting the rebuilding of the Second Temple.

23rd of Adar: The seven days of the Tabernacle consecration began..

26th of Adar: Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, died.