SHEVAT:
Month 11 | Shevat: Spiritual Connection through Study // Fruitfulness
- Prayer Request
- Praise Report
Focus: Blessings // Fruitfulness
Letter: Tzadik (צ)
Tribe: Asher
Sense: Eating, taste
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.
The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. Commonly known as Tu BiShevat, this day marks the season in which the almond trees, the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel, emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Therefore, the Jewish people calculate the yearly tithe from this day.
Major Jewish and Biblical Events in History in Shevat:
01 Shevat: Moses Began Repetition of Torah (Deut.)
15 Shevat: Tu BiShevat (“the 15th of Shevat”) – “New Year for Trees”
23 Shevat: War on Benjamin (circa 1228 BC) – recorded in Judges 19-20
DON'T MISS THE CALENDAR
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.
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.
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.