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... Cheshvan is a "nervous" month. The world is judged for rainfall on Sukkot and we hold back asking for rain until 7 Cheshvan. We feel a certain tension as Cheshvan procedes - when will it start raining in earnest. The Mishna says that if it hasn't rained by the 17th of Cheshvan, individuals would accept upon themselves to fast. Ironic - that is the date that the Mabul began. Plenty of rain then. Far too much and not good rain at all.So the 17th of the month triggers the feeling of rain? No rain? Good rain? Bad rain? B"H, we have gotten a significant amount of rain - even before the 17th. And on it too. May it all be LIVRACHA. Thank you, HaShem, for the rain we've received so far - especially its coming before 17 Cheshvan; please keep it coming - but only GISHMEI B'RACHA, beneficial, blessed rain. [The Parshat Vayeira Homepage]
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