WORD OF THE MONTH

A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem...

SHOVAVIM
This are the initial letters of the sedras Shmot, Vaeira, Bo B'Shalach, Yitro, Mishpatim. In 13 month years T'ruma and T'tzevah are included to form SHOVAVIM TAT. Some have the custom to fast on the Thursdays of each of the 6 sedras (8 in a Shana M'uberet). Some Rabbanim of the past had recommended Taanit Dibur, a day of silence, as a more productive observance of SHOVAVIM. Fast days, public or private must be accompanied by T'shuva, prayer, tzedaka, and acts of kindness to accomplish what they were intended to. A special aspect of SHOVAVIM can be seen in its origin - namely as an effort by righteous individuals on behalf of less committed Jews who might have misused Simchat Yom Tov. As such it demonstrates the care and concern of Jews for their fellows.

20 Tevet is the 801st yahrzeit of the Rambam. At the same time we mark the passing of that great Moshe, we read in Parshat HaShavua of the arrival of the original great Moshe

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