All the Hebrew months rushed into their classroom, just as the New Year was off to a start. They couldn’t help but kibbitz before class began. Quickly their kibbitzing turned to banter and a bit of bickering.
Nissan: “I am the first month of the Jewish year. I am so excited that it is during my days when the Israelites dodge the ten plagues, outsmart Pharoah, and escape slavery. That’s why we get to dine in elegance during our Passover seders with me.”
Tishrei: “Well I am clearly the Holiest month of the year. I have so many Holy days they call them the High Holy days… People enjoy eating apples and honey, and entertaining in their sukkahs for an entire week… and unlike during the week of Passover, they get to have leavened bread as well.”
Kislev: “I am clearly everyone’s favorite month. Packed with eight nights of light, and laughter. Who doesn’t love to light a menorah, spin a dreidel, and eat tons and tons of fried latkes?”
Heshvan sat quietly at its desk, listening to all the other months brag about what holidays they have, how much fun people have during them, and what delicious foods, services, and celebrations were packed into their days. Heshvan was bitter, because its 29 days were empty and barren of holidays and special celebrations.
Some Jewish works like the Zohar refer to the month as Heshvan, while others like the Mishnah and Talmud refer to the month as MarHeshvan. There are numerous theories as to why the name is MarHeshvan. Mar is Hebrew for bitterness, and is the same root word found in maror - the bitter herb we put on our seder plates. Some believe that the “mar” is a title describing the month as bitter. A bitter month that is hard to “get through,” devoid of any holidays to pass the time.
But I think the month might be difficult for other reasons. We just went on a spiritual journey during the month of Tishrei. During this time, we really dig deep and pour out our souls. We atone for our missteps, and we vow to try harder in the year to come. Immediately after this, we distract ourselves by building a sukkah, hosting guests, and praying for rain.
During the month of Heshvan there are no distractions. Heshvan provides a pause in our cycle, a built-in time to breathe. This pause forces us to reflect on the vows we made, and how hard it is to keep them in the year to come.
MarHeshvan is the first 29 days of the New Year 5782. A time to get to work. What will you make of this New Year? Who will you be? How will you make an impact? What legacy would you like to build?
