Global InformationShovavim information
Shovavim (Hebrew: שובבי"ם) is a period of six to eight weeks each year, in which some Kabbalists teach one should focus on repenting for one's sins, particularly sexual sins.
The name shovavim is a Hebrew acronym for the Jewish parshioth (Torah portions) of "Shemot", "Va'era", "Bo", "B'Shallach", "Yitro" and "Mishpatim". The period in which these portions are read typically falls around Tevet-Shevat in the Hebrew calendar (corresponding to January–February). During a Jewish leap-year, this period is extended to an eight-week sequence called "Shovavim Tat", derived by adding the next two portions, "Terumah" and "Tetzaveh", to the list.[1]
The acronym shovavim also forms a Hebrew word, meaning "mischief-makers." This word appears in Jeremiah 3:22, which begins: "Return oh mischief makers" (שׁוּבוּ בָּנִים שׁוֹבָבִים).[2] Thus the name shovavim is symbolic of the repentance which one is exhorted to do in this period.
- ^ "The fault in our moon". Cleveland Jewish News. February 15, 2019.
- ^ "Listening to the Bas Kol". Hamodia. October 6, 2016.