The Month of Cheshvan

Cheshvan [or Mar-Cheshvan] is the eighth of the twelve months of the Jewish calendar

Color: Violet

Tribe: Menashe

Letter: nun

Nun is considered to be the letter of Mashiach, as is said [with reference to Mashiach]: "before the sun, is his name Ye-non [from nun]" [Psalms 72:17]

Sense: smell

Even the skies are Violet for Cheshvan

Woori Yallock, Yarra Valley, Australia - Photos T. Frazer

The Hebrew name for Scorpio is "Akrav" - Scorpion. Our sages teach us that the scorpion is the most deadly member of the general category of poisonous creatures whose archetypal figure is the primordial snake of Eden. The word akrav derives from the word akev, "heel," as is said: "and you [the snake] shall bite him [man] at the heel" (Genesis 3:15). Thus the akrav symbolizes the consummate "bite" of the snake at the heel of man. While in general, the poison of the snake is "hot," the poison of the scorpion is "cold."

Midrash Tanchuma explains the proximity of Cheshvan to the month which follows it, Kislev:

One who remains rebellious (i.e. who does not repent) experiences a descent to the lowest levels - like a scorpion crawling on the ground or thrown into the brambles. However, one who repents is shot forth like an arrow from the bow (the bow is the sign of Kislev).

The judgment which occurred in Tishrei can bring a person to a higher level if the opportunities for repentence are utilized. Or, a person can descend to a level which is lower than before the judgment took place. The task of this month is to determine honestly what one's personal experience has been and to determine how to improve upon it.

The Akrav is symbolic of descent into that state of nothingness and silence which is known as gehinnom. It is a state in which actions not done are measured against those that were done. Imprisoned by non-activity, the soul, always yearning to move ahead, is punished by being held back. This is known among the commentators as "going through fire", for its purpose is to cleanse the soul much as metal is purged of dross. After undergoing this process of purification, the soul is ready to enter into a state of Paradise to enjoy the pure fruits of its labour.

The month of Cheshvan is a time for orderly study at the onset of a new year. It is the time when lessons can be learned from the past and preparations can be made for the future.

Cheshvan is called "chodesh bul", from the word mabul, (the flood). The flood began on the 17th of Cheshvan, and ended the following year on the 27th of Cheshvan. The following day, the 28th of Cheshvan, Noah brought his sacrifice to G-d and G-d swore never again to bring a flood upon the earth to destroy all mankind, and then revealed the sign of His covenant with the world, the rainbow.

Cheshvan is the only month which has no holidays or special mitzvot. We are taught that it is "reserved" for the time of Mashiach, who will inaugurate the third Temple in Cheshvan.

The sense of smell is the most spiritual of all senses. The Hebrew word for "smell," rei'ach, is cognate to that for "spirit" (ruach). Our sages teach us that smell is the one and only sense that "the soul enjoys and not the body."

Source: Gad Erlanger "Signs of the Times"