By Staff Correspondent | 22 February 2026
Rabat, Morocco — In the quiet resonance of a study hall in Morocco, a voice steeped in centuries of Sephardic mysticism is offering a new map for the human soul. Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, the world-renowned spiritual leader, recently delivered a profound shiur (lesson) that bridges the gap between ancient texts and the modern pursuit of happiness.
As the Jewish calendar turns toward the month of Adar—a period traditionally associated with celebration—Rabbi Pinto’s latest teaching delves into the Sefer Yetzirah (The Book of Creation) to explain why this year’s joy is not merely a seasonal sentiment, but a structural realignment of the spirit.
A Tale of Two Adars: The Tribal Lineage
Central to the Rabbi’s teaching is the unique nature of the Jewish leap year. While a standard year links the month of Adar to the biblical figure of Joseph, the leap year splits this spiritual energy.
“When we have two months of Adar,” Rabbi Pinto explained, “we see the manifestation of Joseph’s sons. Adar I corresponds to Menashe, and Adar II to Ephraim.”
This distinction is more than a chronological quirk; it represents a doubling of potential. By connecting the current month to Ephraim—a tribe associated with fruitfulness and growth—the Rabbi suggests that the current window of time is uniquely suited for spiritual expansion.
The Anatomy of Laughter
Drawing from the Sefer Yetzirah, Rabbi Pinto connected the month of Adar to a specific Hebrew letter and a human organ: the letter Kuf and the spleen (T’chol).
In Jewish mystical tradition, the spleen is the seat of laughter. The Rabbi noted that true joy is not accidental but physiological and spiritual. However, he offered a sophisticated nuance to the concept of “Increasing in Joy” (Marbin B’Simcha). According to the Rabbi, there are two distinct tiers of happiness:
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The Human Effort: The joy one generates through music, social connection, and intentionality.
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The Divine Infusion: A “multiplication of joy” that descends from Heaven.
“In the month of Adar,” Rabbi Pinto taught, “the Almighty pours an abundance of joy into the world. But its effect on us depends entirely on our capacity to receive it.”
The “Monkey” Metaphor: Emulating the Divine
Perhaps the most striking element of the shiur was the Rabbi’s analysis of the letter Kuf. In Hebrew, the word Kof also means “monkey.” Far from a derogatory comparison, Rabbi Pinto utilized the monkey’s nature—its tendency to mimic—as a model for religious ethics.
“Just as a monkey mimics its surroundings, a person must strive to mimic the Creator,” the Rabbi urged. “As He is merciful, so shall you be. As He is gracious, so shall you be.”
This “spiritual mimicry” is the mechanism by which a person transforms themselves into a worthy vessel.
The Vessel and the Light
The Rabbi concluded with a poignant metaphor regarding the sun. Just as the sun’s rays can harden salt yet melt wax, the Divine light of Adar affects every individual differently based on their internal composition.
“We see people in the presence of holiness—in study halls or the homes of the righteous—who remain unchanged because they are not ‘vessels’ ready to receive,” he observed.
The message for his English-speaking followers is clear: The joy of Adar is currently raining down from the Heavens. To feel it, one must not only seek happiness but must refine their character to become a “Kli Kibbul”—a receptacle—capable of holding the blessing.
As the month unfolds, Rabbi Pinto’s Moroccan teachings serve as a reminder that spiritual heights are not reached by chance, but through the deliberate architecture of the heart.
For more teachings and updates from Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto Shlita, visit the official Shuva Israel YouTube Page
