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Cheshvan
What is Cheshvan?
Cheshvan is the second month of the Jewish year and is sometimes refered to as MarCheshvan. The traditional explanation for this name is that the prefix Mar (literally, bitter) is added for two reasons. Firstly, Cheshvan contains no chagim - festivals. Second, it is bitter since much suffering befell Israel during Cheshvan in various points in history, most notably the flood during the time of Noah. The Yearning for Rain and Fertility
Cheshvan is a month fraught with tension concerning rain, as this is the season in Israel when we are anxious for the rain to come, to refresh the earth and allow the crops to grow. Yet, at the same time, an excess of rain would endanger us through flooding. Although flooding is a natural reality, it was seen as a punishment for the sins of the Jewish people. Cheshvan reflects this tension and is also called bul from the Hebrew words yibol meaning produce and mabul meaning flood. Remembering Rachel
The eleventh of Cheshvan marks the death of our matriarch, Rachel. According to tradition, she is buried on the road to Bethlehem, where she died during childbirth, and not in the Cave of Makhpelah with the rest of our matriarchs and patriarchs. It is said that Jacob buried Rachel there since he prophesied that the exiled Jewish people would one day pass by there and Rachel would seek mercy for them. Back to Index of Jewish Months Also on the WUJS site:
Rosh Chodesh Ceremony - Cheshvan
Suggested Activities for Cheshvan: The Lost Voice of Our Mothers and Creation Also on the WUJS site:
Jewish Activities on various topics.
Jewish Festivals: Historical, traditional, and contemporary sources.
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