SHEVAT - Tuning into the Flow of Renewal

Rosh Chodesh Shevat marks the beginning of the 11th month of the Hebrew calendar, counting from Nissan, the first month of the year, which is traditionally recognized in the Talmud as the month of creation. This makes Nissan the spiritual start of the year, a time symbolizing renewal and rebirth, which aligns with the spring season. While the civil year begins in Tishrei, with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipour marking a time for reflection and judgment, the spiritual year begins with Nissan, emphasizing transformation and growth.

Shevat is therefore a time of quiet preparation and spiritual renewal as nature begins its subtle shift toward spring. As we enter this new moon phase, we are invited to reflect on the unseen growth stirring beneath the surface, both in the world around us and within ourselves.

Interestingly, this period of renewal and growth is not unique to Jewish tradition; across the world, sacred wisdom aligns with similar rhythms. For example, in Shamanic traditions, the medicine wheel begins with spring, symbolizing rebirth and fresh starts, while Chinese astrology celebrates the Wooden Snake year, a time of transformation, shedding old layers, and creating new foundations. These traditions all emphasize the power of spring as a time for spiritual and personal renewal, highlighting a universal truth—that now is the time to begin again. So let's tune our own beings with nature!

The energy of Shevat flows between the months of Tevet and Adar, creating a powerful dynamic. While Tevet encourages stillness and reflection, Shevat bridges us to the future, preparing us for the joy and expansion of Adar. This month exists in the space between—quiet, fertile, and ripe with potential. Within this space, we are invited to align ourselves with the spiritual energy of Shevat, symbolized by the Hebrew letter Tzaddik צ.

A "Tzaddik" literally means a righteous person, someone whose actions are in harmony with divine will and purpose.

In Jewish mysticism, Hebrew letters are not just symbols; they are vibrational frequencies that shape reality. According to the Sefer Yetzirah, the world was created through 22 frequencies, the 22 Hebrew letters, each one a living force that influences the world. Studies in sound frequencies show that the vibration of a letter’s sound literally creates its shape. The letter Tzaddik, with its distinctive downward hook, represents the righteous person’s ability to channel divine wisdom into the world, acting as a conduit for spiritual light.

The letter Tzaddik (צ) is like a drawing combining the letters Nun (נ) and Yod (י), both representing humility. The shape of Nun mirrors the posture of a person with their head bowed down, just like the Rambam writes in his letter to his son, where he teaches to always speak calmly, with eyes lowered and heart elevated. Yod, the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, represents the humility of recognizing that even the smallest of actions holds infinite potential. Together, these letters teach that the Tzaddik becomes a vessel for divine wisdom from and through his humility. Rabbi Moses Cordovero (the Ramak), in his Kabbalistic work Tomer Devorah, speaks extensively about the importance of humility as the foundational character trait in spiritual development. According to Rabbi Cordovero, humility is not just an important trait—it is the core of all other virtues.

Throughout Shevat, the frequency of Tzaddik will guide our thoughts, actions, and spiritual growth. By tuning into its vibration, we align ourselves with its wisdom, navigating challenges and deepening our connection to the divine. Whenever we seek insight or direction, we can return to Tzaddik's energy to find clarity.

In mystic Jewish teachings, each Hebrew month is also associated with a specific sense, and Shevat is about the sense of taste. Just as the Tzaddik—the righteous person—carefully chooses what to consume, both physically and spiritually, we are invited to examine the "food" we take in during this time. This includes the thoughts we entertain, the words we speak, and the actions we take. The Tzaddik’s mouth is a vessel for spreading goodness, wisdom, and positivity into the world, and his example teaches us that what we ingest—whether in the form of nourishment or ideas—directly impacts our spiritual wellbeing. In this way, Shevat calls us to be mindful of the energies we consume, nurturing only what is good and elevating our thoughts and actions to align with divine truth.

This brings us to the tribe of Asher, whose blessing is one of abundance. Each Hebrew month is also linked to a tribe. Asher’s descendants were promised physical bounty, reminding us that we too are surrounded by more than enough—love, opportunities, and potential for growth. The energy of taste invites us to learn to appreciate - or should I say to savor the present moment and savor the blessings in our lives, including the hidden treasures we often overlook.

Often, we fear lack because we focus on an uncertain future, especially in our relationship with money. Since money provides our most basic needs, it’s natural to fear its absence. We tend to worry about what we don’t have and what we might not have in the future. This fear can leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, and constantly searching for more. But when we trust in abundance, we realize we are always exactly where we need to be, with exactly what we need—not more, not less. Even in challenging times, those struggles are part of our journey—our tikkun olam, or our role in repairing the world. The divine universe provides us what we need to accomplish our tikkun olam—not more, not less, and that is the true definition of abundance. With this understanding, we can shift our focus from what we lack to what we already possess. And as we focus on what is there, we enter a world of creativity and paradoxically of infinite possibilities.

Interestingly, scientific research shows that gratitude and self-pity cannot coexist. When we embrace gratitude, we are uplifted; but when we dwell in self-pity, we block our ability to experience joy. In Jewish thought, self-pity is seen as a source of illness—it disrupts our wellbeing by focusing on lack. Shevat encourages us to shift our mindset, nourishing ourselves with gratitude. This practice not only empowers us spiritually but also improves our health. Just as Asher’s abundance was both material and spiritual, Shevat invites us to appreciate the "fruit" of our lives—whether in relationships, work, or personal growth—and to embrace the abundance we already have. In doing so, we open ourselves to even greater blessings, realizing that true wealth comes not just from what we receive, but from what we nurture. We receive by giving—this is nature’s right balance. As I am now traveling through Australia, I constantly remind myself when I arrive in a new city to be a giver and not a simple tourist taker: how can I connect, offer my help, and learn in return... This attitude actually aligns with the energy of Aquarius—focusing on giving and sharing, helping the community.

Also, Asher אשר represents support, as its name connects the subject to the verb, symbolizing a vessel that elevates and sustains. This aligns with Shevat’s essence of serving a higher purpose. The energy of taste invites us to savor the present moment and the blessings we often overlook.

The astrological sign of Aquarius governs Shevat and represents the water-bearer. The symbol of the water bucket is key here—it represents an object that serves a greater purpose. A bucket’s sole function is to draw and carry water, symbolizing service and transmission. In Jewish thought, water is often used as a metaphor for the wisdom of Torah. Water always flows to the lowest spot, just as wisdom flows to the most humble soul. The more selfless a person is, the more wisdom flows toward them. The Aquarian energy embodies this idea—focused on service and spiritual elevation, it invites us to see beyond the material and embrace a higher consciousness. Just as the bucket serves as a vessel, we, too, are called to be vessels of wisdom and goodness, allowing it to flow through us and into the world.

Shevat is also connected to wind, the least tangible element, which acts as a conduit—carrying moisture, seeds, and connecting distant things. Like wind, Shevat encourages us to be vessels, bridging the space between stillness and growth.

And when we will enter the full moon of Shevat, we will explore the significance of the Tu B’Shevat Seder and its symbolic fruits, a ritual deeply rooted in Kabbalistic teachings - but that will be in the next post!

Jewish Mindfulness Meditation for this Rosh Hodesh:

Music used: https://open.spotify.com/album/3M8ujVP1QVn6DT3fORDfbi?si=vAXrAdbMQlevphiLat2KdA

1. Getting into the mindfulness State:

Find a comfortable position. Feel free to adjust as needed; there is no "right" way. In mindfulness meditation, it’s all about being comfortable yet alert, so try not to fall asleep!

Now, gently close your eyes.Take three deep breaths, and with each exhale, try to empty your lungs completely, letting go of any stale air. Feel the fresh air filling you with vitality.

Notice the weight of your body, grounded and connected to the earth. Yet, at the same time, feel your soul rising like fire, reaching for the sky—light and alive.

Let’s do a quick body scan from head to toe. Simply notice how your body feels right now—without judgment, only curiosity and kindness. With each exhale, allow the muscles to relax: your face, shoulders, abdomen, and legs.

As you continue, notice the rhythm of your breath. Feel the air moving through your nostrils, the gentle rise and fall of your chest or abdomen.

2. Shevat New Moon: Becoming a Humble Vessel with the Letter Tzaddik (צ)

In mindfulness practice, we often explore opposites to work with a concept. Since humility is our focus, we can begin by reflecting on its opposite. The opposite of humility is pride and arrogance. When we feel ashamed, we often turn to pride as an antidote, when in fact, humility is the true remedy. So, to work on our humility, let’s explore shame with kindness and curiosity.

I’m going to ask a question for you to reflect on. Simply observe what arises without overthinking—let the question float and just observe yourself, without expectation or judgment. Pay attention to your physical sensations, emotions, or images that might come to mind. If nothing comes up, that’s okay too. Just breathe and keep the question in mind. Here is the question: What am I ashamed of?

Or if you do not relate here is another question: For what reason am I disappointed in myself?

Allow yourself to feel whatever arises.

3. Visualization

Now, let’s do a brief visualization: picture the Hebrew letter Tzaddik (צ) above your head. From its branch, it is drawing in light and, like water, pouring it down toward you, reaching the deepest parts of your being. As you receive this light, gently bow your head in humility.

Then, just as the trees draw sap upward during Shevat, feel yourself receiving energy from the earth, reaching toward the sky. Slowly lift your head. Humility allows us to recognize our own worth. With your head upright, feel the alignment of your body becoming a vessel—a bridge between the earth and the sky, serving your higher purpose. Feel the posture and attitude of the Tzaddik.

4. Closing and Integration

For a few seconds, let your mind wander freely—don’t focus on anything.

Now, gently return to your senses. Start with your sense of taste—move your tongue inside your mouth. Then notice your sense of smell, touch, and the feeling of your skin as you gently touch your arms. Finally, open your eyes a little, just enough to let in some light while remaining within the meditation.

Take another deep breath, and enjoy the peaceful effects of this practice. When you're ready, stretch and move your body gently.

5. Insights from the Meditation

If you feel called, take a moment to journal any insights or feelings that came up during the meditation. You might also want to draw the letter Tzaddik at the top of the page, allowing it to inspire further reflection on this new moon’s energy.

The new moon is a time of celebration—it symbolizes the constant possibility of renewal.

Just like the moon doesn’t create its own light but reflects that of the sun, we, too, are vessels for divine light. Rav Hirsch describes this as an image.

The feminine energy, in particular, is not the source of the light, but the vessel that receives and shapes it, making space for it to manifest in the world.

In Kabbalistic teachings, the masculine energy represents infinite abundance in potential, while the feminine energy provides the container—giving this abundance form and meaning.

These energies are complementary, not opposites, and together they create balance, harmony, and divine fulfillment. Without the feminine, the masculine has no space to express itself concretely; without the masculine, the feminine has no light to shape.

As you light your Shabbat candles, consider lighting an extra one for Rosh Chodesh. Use a hollow utensil, symbolizing receptivity. Pray to Hashem, asking to be a vessel for His light. You may also choose to light a candle in the name of those who are unable to light one themselves—whether ancestors or current hostages.

Remember, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so do we reflect divine light in our lives. We are all called to be vessels, receiving and giving love, wisdom, and divine abundance in balance.

Shabbat Shalom