KISLEV:
Month 9 | Kislev: A month of goodness and rest.
- Prayer Request
- Praise Report
Focus: Trust, Consecration / Dedication, Dreams / Dreaming
Letter: Samech (ס)
Tribe: Benjamin
Sense: Dreaming / sleep / rest
Kislev is often playfully re-written as Kis-Lev (Purse of the Heart). Kislev is a time to examine what is in our hearts. It’s also time to fill them with reminders of the goodness of God. These concepts are most evident during the holiday that falls during this month: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.
The only biblical reference to Chanukah is in John’s Gospel. Shortly before coming to the Temple during Chanukah, Yeshua had declared Himself the light of the world (John 8:12) and healed a man blind since birth (John 9:1–7). He was the one who would be “a light to the Nations, by opening blind eyes, bringing prisoners out of the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness out of the prison house” (Isaiah 42:6–7).
Major Jewish and Biblical Events in History in Kislev:
07 Kislev: Death of Herod (“the Great”), King of Judea
14 Kislev: date of Reuben’s birth and death (125 years later)
15 Kislev: Greeks set up the “Abomination of Desolation” in the Temple (167 BC)
20 Kislev: Ezra made a historic address to a three-day assemblage of Jews
25 Kislev:
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- Cain killed Abel (3720 BC)
- Tabernacle’s vessels, tapestries, wall sections, and other items completed
- Chanukah: the miracle of the oil (139 BC)
26 Kislev: Oldest standing synagogue in US “Touro Synagogue” Dedicated (1763)
27 Kislev: Flood rains ceased
Why is Kislev referred to as the Month of Dreams?
Did you know that the majority of dreams recorded in the Torah are read during this month of Kislev? This is a time to dream with God!
By dreams I don’t just mean literal dreams that we have while sleeping. I also mean dreams – in terms of vision and purpose. There is a divine dream for your life. Like Jacob’s Ladder- it is divine because it originates in heaven above–It’s a vision and purpose that is placed in your heart and mind from the Lord!
In Jacob’s Dream, it was the LORD standing on top of the Ladder. God’s dreams are never about us. We strive for God’s dreams because we know – it’s about the LORD. We know that by climbing that ladder we find Him more on each rung as we run after His vision and purpose for our lives! God’s Dreams will change your life!
What is Samech in Hebrew?
During this month the Hebrew letter Samech (ס) has even greater meaning. Samech means “to support.” Samech is in the shape of a circle – It’s God’s presence surrounding and encircling us! Sameach symbolizes His providential protection.
You don’t need to be afraid to take risks for God- he is your security net!
When you need spiritual protection or support when feeling weak in the Face of fear, imagine yourself inside the Samech of God, inside the circle of His letter! This is a time to feel supported by Messiah Yeshua and extend that support to others!
DON'T MISS THE CALENDAR
Adar: The Month of Joy in the Hebrew Calendar
There are many joyous dates on the Jewish calendar, but besides Purim, none affect an entire month, causing it to be auspicious and joyous. Purim is the celebration of Israel’s rescue from the Persian leader Haman’s genocidal plot (as recorded in the Book of Esther). The Rabbis teach that Purim is like Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). While on Yom Kippur we achieve holiness through the mortification of the flesh and long hours of prayer, we realize that same level of holiness on Purim through feasting, celebration, and joy.
Shevat: The Month of Blessings and Fruitfulness in the Hebrew Calendar
According to Tradition, the first of Shevat is when Moses began giving his final address to Israel. “Across the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this Torah saying, ‘Adonai our God spoke to us at Horeb saying: ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain’” (Deuteronomy 1:5-6). For the entire month of Shevat, he would sit in the meeting tent and elucidate the Torah.
Tevet: The Month of Divine Grace in the Hebrew Calendar
2 Kings 25 tells us Nebuchadnezzar began Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem on the 10th day of Tevet (a fast day known as Asarah B’Tevet). Ironically, the Jewish people adopted the name “Tevet” during the Babylonian exile. It is believed to connote “sinking” or “immersing.”