Reflection: In Av, take time to listen deeply to the messages around you. How can you find hope and resilience in times of destruction? How can you heed God’s call for redemption?
6. Elul: The Month of Return
Tribe: Gad – Associated with the military and strength, Gad reminds you to muster courage in the face of challenges.
Sense: Action – In Elul, the month leading up to the High Holidays, you are called to take concrete steps toward spiritual growth and return to God.
Zodiac Symbol: Virgo (Maiden) – Reflecting the purity and dedication required for repentance and renewal.
Biblical Context: Elul is a time of introspection and preparation for the High Holidays, marked by the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn) each morning to awaken your soul.
Holiday Connection: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance leading up to Yom Kippur.
Reflection: Use Elul to reflect on your actions, making amends and setting intentions for the coming year. How can you muster the strength and courage to return to God?
7. Tishrei: The Month of Transformation
Tribe: Ephraim – Known for fertility and growth, Ephraim embodies the potential for transformation and renewal.
Sense: Taste – In Tishrei, you are called to savor the sweetness of the Jewish holidays, from Rosh Hashanah to Sukkot.
Zodiac Symbol: Libra (Scales) – Reflecting the balance and judgment of Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment.
Biblical Context: Tishrei contains the High Holidays, marking the creation of the world, the binding of Isaac, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Sinai.
Holiday Connection: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot are all celebrated in Tishrei, offering opportunities for repentance, forgiveness, and joy.
Reflection: In Tishrei, embrace the transformative power of the holidays. How can you taste the sweetness of spiritual growth and renewal in this season?
8. Cheshvan: The Month of Silence
Tribe: Menashe – Associated with silence and contemplation, Menashe teaches the importance of listening to the still, small voice within.
Sense: Smell – In Cheshvan, the month after the High Holidays, you are called to appreciate the subtle nuances of spiritual growth.
Zodiac Symbol: Scorpio (Scorpion) – Reflecting the intensity and transformation required for inner work and self-discovery.
Biblical Context: Cheshvan is a quiet month without holidays, offering time for personal reflection and growth.
Reflection: Use Cheshvan to listen to the whispers of your soul. How can you appreciate the silence and stillness, finding depth and meaning in the quiet moments?
9. Kislev: The Month of Light
Tribe: Benjamin – Associated with light and joy, Benjamin shines a beacon of hope in the darkness.
Sense: Touch – In Kislev, the month of Chanukah, you are called to feel the warmth and connection of the holiday lights.
Zodiac Symbol: Sagittarius (Archer) – Reflecting the aim and focus required to overcome challenges and ignite the flame of hope.
Biblical Context: Kislev is the month of Chanukah, commemorating the miracle of the oil and the rededication of the Temple.
Holiday Connection: Chanukah celebrates the victory of light over darkness, offering a message of hope and perseverance.
Reflection: In Kislev, kindle the flames of joy and light. How can you bring warmth and connection to your life and the lives of others?
10. Tevet: The Month of Judgment
Tribe: Dan – Known for judgment and balance, Dan reminds you of the importance of discernment and fairness.
Sense: Movement – In Tevet, the month of winter, you are called to navigate the stillness and darkness with purpose and direction.
Zodiac Symbol: Capricorn (Goat) – Reflecting the climb and determination required to reach new heights and overcome obstacles.
Biblical Context: Tevet contains the fast of the 10th of Tevet, commemorating the siege of Jerusalem and the beginning of the destruction of the First Temple.
Reflection: In Tevet, seek balance and clarity in your judgments. How can you discern truth and act with fairness in the darkness of winter?
11. Shevat: The Month of Growth
Tribe: Asher – Associated with abundance and blessing, Asher teaches you to appreciate the fruits of your labor.
Sense: Emotion – In Shevat, the month of Tu B’Shevat, you are called to connect with the emotional roots of growth and renewal.
Zodiac Symbol: Aquarius (Water Bearer) – Reflecting the flow and flexibility required for growth and sustainability.
Biblical Context: Shevat is the month of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, celebrating the cycle of growth and renewal in nature.
Reflection: In Shevat, cultivate emotional awareness and connection. How can you nurture the seeds of growth and abundance in your life?
12. Adar: The Month of Joy
Tribe: Naftali – Known for agility and joy, Naftali dances with enthusiasm and vitality.
Sense: Intuition – In Adar, the month of Purim, you are called to trust your inner wisdom and celebrate the hidden miracles of life.
Zodiac Symbol: Pisces (Fish) – Reflecting the depths and mysteries of joy, creativity, and faith.
Biblical Context: Adar is the month of Purim, commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from destruction in ancient Persia.
Holiday Connection: Purim is a time of joy, feasting, and giving gifts to the poor, highlighting the hidden miracles and divine providence in everyday life.
Reflection: In Adar, dance with joy and intuition. How can you tap into your inner wisdom and celebrate the miracles of everyday life?
By aligning yourself with the spiritual energies of each Jewish month, you can deepen your connection to divine providence, navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose, and embrace the transformative power of the sacred spiral of time.
Reflect on the current month and how you can apply its themes to your life. Consider how you can use your challenges as opportunities for growth, repentance, balance, depth, miracles, resilience, blessings, or joy. Embrace the spiritual journey of the Jewish calendar and discover new ways to deepen your connection to God and others.
By engaging with these insights, you align yourself with the divine flow of time, transforming every day into a step toward personal and collective redemption.
Take a moment to reflect on the current month. How can its themes inspire you to grow closer to your true self and to God?
This article is based on teachings from the ancient Jewish text called the Sefer Yetzirah (a mystical work believed to date back to the early centuries CE) and the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh (a contemporary Chassidic thinker).
* In case you’re wondering why the tribe of Levi isn’t included, they weren’t assigned to a month. Levi had a unique spiritual role: this tribe was dedicated to serving God in the Temple in Jerusalem. Because of their special connection to God, Levi transcends the cyclical nature of time and the influence of mazal. They serve as a timeless example of devotion and holiness.