KISLEV:

Month 9 | Kislev: A month of goodness and rest.

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:

- 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!

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ELUL: The King is in the Field

The human mind will never be able to fully comprehend, at least not this side of the Resurrection, how great a sacrifice it was to lay down all the energies of divinity, to descend from the glorious fullness of eternal infinitude to humbling limitations of an impoverished baby (lacking bladder control!).

Shevat, Biblical Calendar, Hebrew, Rabbi Jason Sobel

Av: The Month of Comfort in the Hebrew Calendar

The month of Av is also referred to as “Menachem Av.” “Menachem” means “consoler,” and “Av” means “father.” Due to the tragic events that occurred during this month, its name reminds us that God is there to comfort us in times of tragedy. Tu B’Av signifies rebirth after destruction and is a day for new beginnings.

Sivan, Biblical Calendar, Hebrew, Rabbi Jason Sobel

Tammuz: The Month of Vision in the Hebrew Calendar

On the 3rd day of this month, the Lord miraculously stopped the sun in its tracks (allowing for sustained vision), allowing Joshua and his armies to deal a decisive blow to their enemies.

Kislev: The Month of Dreams, Trust, and Dedication on the Hebrew Calendar