by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker
The joyful, Hebrew month of Adar is here, and with it comes an invitation to increase our joy. Our tradition teaches that when Adar begins, we don’t raise our joy gently or quietly -we actively turn up the volume on hope, laughter, connection, and light. Even as winter lingers here in Wisconsin, Adar reminds us that spirit is stronger than season. In a world that can feel heavy, we answer darkness with light, fear with community, and uncertainty with action and simcha/joy.
In this month’s Touch Points, I’m focusing on the power of joy and laughter- how it helps us feel happier, healthier, and more connected. If you’re like me, you look forward to a good joke or that one special person who can always make you laugh. -And there’s a reason it feels so good. Laughter is a powerful stress reliever, boosts our immune system, increases endorphins (our brain’s “happy chemicals”), and can even support memory. Just as important, laughter connects us. Shared laughter binds us together, strengthening friendships and families. So, let’s find ways to invite more humor into our days. I am wishing you all a month filled with light and laughter.
“Whenever I feel the need to exercise, I lie down until it goes away.“ (unknown)
TURN UP THE JOY AND THE LAUGHTER
1. Choose Joy on Purpose: Joy strengthens emotional health, and connection protects the brain. So, simcha (joy) is powerful medicine. Especially during the month of Adar, we are reminded that joy is not accidental- it is intentional. Choosing joy on purpose doesn’t ignore life’s challenges; rather, it gives us strength to meet them. Be joyfully intentional in these ways:
- Celebrate Something: A birthday, a milestone, or even a small personal win. Adar says: celebrate it! Marking moments of goodness trains our minds to notice what’s working, not just what’s missing.
- Create a Joy Ritual: Light Shabbat (Sabbath) candles with extra intention, play one upbeat song while cooking, or share a favorite joke at breakfast. Small, repeated rituals signal safety and positivity to the brain. They become anchors of light in our daily routine.
- Bring Playfulness Back: Wear a pop of color. Try a new recipe. Do something slightly silly. Adar permits us to loosen up.
- Savor One Small Pleasure: Step outside for fresh air, enjoy a favorite cup of coffee slowly, or sit in sunlight for five intentional minutes. When we pause to truly savor something pleasant, we strengthen emotional balance.
2. Watch Something That Makes You Laugh: Laughter doesn’t always “happen“ — sometimes we must invite it in. Funny sitcoms, light-hearted movies, or even a quick YouTube clip can instantly lift your mood. In my family, my brother Richie and I still laugh about the famous chocolate factory scene from “I Love Lucy“ when Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz try (and fail!) to keep up with chocolates speeding down a conveyor belt. It’s only three minutes long, but it never gets old. Their expressions, the panic, and the stuffing of chocolates are pure comedy. Find your version of that clip – the one that makes you laugh every single time – and keep it handy. A quick laugh break can reset your mood and brighten your whole day.
“I’m at an age where my back goes out more than I do.“ (Phyllis Diller)
3. Joy is Brain Fuel: Joy isn’t just emotional – it’s also neurological. When we experience positive emotion, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that support motivation, learning, and memory. Joy also increases mental flexibility, strengthens neural pathways, and helps buffer the effects of stress. In other words, simcha (joy) literally supports brain health. This month, let’s strengthen our minds with joy.
Enjoy “Joyful Memory Mapping“ – a Brain Health Exercise:
- Step 1 | Choose a Joyful Memory: Think of a moment that made you laugh, feel proud, or feel deeply connected. It could be a family celebration, a funny mishap, a vacation, or even a small recent success.
- Step 2 | Map It Out: On a blank piece of paper, write the memory in the center. Around it, answer these prompts: Who was there? What sounds do you remember? What were you wearing? What emotions did you feel? What made it meaningful? Engaging sensory details activates multiple areas of the brain – strengthening recall pathways.
- Step 3 | Add One Reflection: Write one sentence: What does this memory remind me about myself? (Example: “I am resilient.” “I value connection.” “I can still experience joy.”)
“Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.“ (unknown)
4. Music That Lifts the Spirit: A single upbeat song can shift the energy in a room- and in our hearts. This month, consider creating an “Adar Joy Playlist.“ Play it while you’re cooking, driving, folding laundry, or taking a short walk. Let it become a daily reminder that joy is something we can turn toward on purpose. Here are four classic songs from the 1950s and 1960s that radiate optimism and light:
- “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” – by Gordon MacRae/ Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!– A bright, hopeful song that celebrates the simple beauty of a new day. Click here for the 3-minute video.
- “You Are My Sunshine“ – by Jonny Cash– A warm and familiar tune that reminds us how much light and love we bring into one another’s lives. Click here for the 3-minute audio.
- “Happy Days Are Here Again”– by Barbra Streisand- An upbeat anthem of optimism. Click here for the 3-minute audio.
- “Hevenu Shalom Aleichem“ – Traditional Israeli Folk Song – A joyful, spirited song whose words mean “We bring peace to you.“ Often sung at celebrations, camps, and gatherings, it invites clapping, dancing, and togetherness — a perfect expression of Adar’s communal joy. Click here for the 3-minute wonderful flashmob video at Ben Gurion Airport.
“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.“ (Steve Martin)
5. Standing Together Against Hate: As we move through this season together, many in our community are paying close attention to what is happening in Israel and the Middle East, as well as the rise in antisemitism in the world. Without becoming political, we can be clear about one thing: hatred and discrimination have no place in our communities. As actor David Schwimmer wisely said, “You don’t have to say anything political… Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors against hatred and discrimination.”
I invite you to hold Israel and the entire Jewish community in your thoughts and prayers. Take a quiet moment to reflect on Avinu Shebashamayim – A Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel, beautifully sung by The Maccabeats. Prayer, connection, and unity are meaningful ways to strengthen one another. In a month when we increase joy, we also increase love, compassion, and our commitment to stand together.
“I spilled spot remover on my dog and now he’s gone.“ (Steven Wright)
Adar is bold. Adar is spirited. Adar is resilient joy in action. It reminds us that even in uncertain times, we can choose lightness, connection, and even laughter. Joy is not frivolous- it is strengthening. Laughter is not small- it is healing. When we allow ourselves to smile, to sing, to share a joke, we renew our energy and lift those around us. May this month energize you, strengthen you, and fill your home with laughter, warmth, connection, and light.
If you have questions about aging, memory changes, community resources, or caregiving, I’m here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact me — I’d be happy to assist.
With warmth and abundant simcha/joy,
Dana
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