Chazal excitingly teach that "Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B’Simcha". HaRav Dessler, Z’tl, (Michtav M’Eliyahu, Volume 2, Page 125) writes that the Simcha we experience during this month should be built upon day after day, so that it continuously grows through the month. For true simcha to be built upon, the joy must be more than a superficial experience. As Rabbi Mordechai Becher, Shlita, pointed out in a Hakhel Shiur, depressed people can be tickled and will laugh, but will quickly return to their depression after the tickling has ceased. We suggest, therefore, that the simcha we look to build upon over the course of this special month relate more to our ruchniyus, to the spiritual realm of our lives.

In this regard, HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita, quotes the famous Rambam in Hilchos Megillah. The Rambam writes that "it is better for a person to give more Matanos L’Evyonim than it is to spend money on a larger Seudas Purim or Mishloach Manos--for there is no Simcha Gedola U’Mefoara--there is no greater or more glorious joy--than one who makes the unfortunate happy." Indeed, HaRav Salomon notes, both the Nefesh HaChaim and the Zohar HaKadosh write that if one brings simcha to the world; he is bringing Rachamim--mercy--into the world, and changing Din, the attribute of strict justice, to Rachamim, Heavenly Mercy--and there can be nothing better than that!

Our service, then, at this time of year, is to open the gates of Rachamim that we so desperately need opened so wide by bringing simcha into the world through our own Simchas HaChaim, and all the more so by bringing others Simchas HaChaim--making others happy as well.

In that vein, we present below six sample responses to a request we had made for "101 Ways to Make Others Happy".

a. Don’t we all love a piece of chocolate? How about carrying around a bag of individually wrapped mini chocolates that you can give out to people around you?

b. The classic, most effective, life altering, health building--SMILE!!!

c. Try the "old fashioned" thank you note. Written notes, delivered via "snailmail," always come as a welcome surprise, and are often saved, or posted on bulletin boards and refrigerators.

d. Take the time, make the effort and spend the money to get a gift, no matter how small--it shows that you care. To someone the ray of happiness brought into their lives could be a life-saver.

e. Always have a short, meaningful "vort" on the Parsha ready to tell someone. That is a sure winner. Everyone loves a good D’var Torah.

f. Do something for someone that he was planning on doing; tell them to enjoy the rest.

Now is the time to practice these--and think of your own! We most certainly welcome new submissions--especially this month. May our pure simcha during Adar turn suffering and agony into happiness and elation, as Hashem’s Rachamim brings us the Geulah Shlaima--in this auspicious time of Geulah, Adar and Nissan--Purim and Pesach!