The month of Shevat שבט according to Kabbalah

5782


The first suggestion we make is to read what we said last year about the month of Shevat. What will be said this year will build on what we said last year.

Below is the link to last year's Blog about Shevat. Please press your back button to return to this location after you read last year's Blog.

5781 Commentary

A significant lunar event is on the horizon. A focused and enduring New Moon in Capricorn rises on January 12th bringing with it a period of deep reflection, adaptability and resolution. This is a moment for you to take a deep breath and try to come to an understanding of who you are after all of the craziness of 2020. This is a very contemplative new moon that is actually asking you to pause and reflect on things rather than initiate new beginnings as is usually the case. For Capricorn, the sign of work, there is always this idea that pausing is slowing down or ineffectual, but in this case it is extremely important. By pausing and not pushing too hard, you are giving yourself room to resolve any long running problems from 2020 to clear the way for 2021. Think of this as an opportunity to release whatever mental or emotional blocks that you may have constructed as a coping mechanism to deal with the immense challenges of the past year

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chanoch adds: There is a difference between the Hebrew Rosh Chodesh and the secular new moon. Essentially the Hebrew Rosh Chodesh requires a full 24 hrs. The secular new moon timing on January 12th does not have a full 24 hrs and that is why Rosh Chodesh Shevat is January 13th in the evening.

Importantly, the New Moon in Capricorn also helps to illuminate what goals are achievable and give you confidence to pursue them. There is a potent energy around starting new commitments that require the work and dedication this sign is so famous for. This could be a new job, relationship, schooling, personal project or entrepreneurial idea, but this lunation will provide you with the endurance and will to get moving. Interestingly, this can also be related to re-starting something. That is, picking up where you left off, either in 2020 or even before. This could be a project or long term goal that was important to you, or could mean you returning to an old job that you had burned out of or even a relationship that had fizzled.

This lunation also asks you to try your best to uncomplicate things -- a response to the often complicated realities of 2020. You may feel that you took on more than you can manage in 2020, and now, as we move into a New Year, it is crucial that you let go of these added responsibilities. As Capricorn is also associated with finances and security, this moon should help you to alleviate stresses you have over money or material needs. Know that this positive energy will stay with you throughout Capricorn Season and 2021 overall is shaping up to be a consequential year for you financially.

chanoch adds: Remember this is discussing the moon as the Keter. The moon changes astrological signs every 2.5 days approximately.

Commentary by Rav Avital for Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5781

This is an Eitz Ratzon - auspicious time that many have not heard of. The Ohev Yisrael of Apta, was a great Tzaddik and Mekubal. He taught, that on the night when the world celebrates the solar New Year, those that celebrated Rosh Hashanah, have a huge opportunity to potentially be blessed with all the things that were prayed for on R"H and not yet received.

Commentary For 5781 by Keith Levine

As mentioned last month, both Aquarius and Capricorn are ruled by the planet Saturn. Having a common planet ruling them does not mean that they possess similar qualities. Actually Aquarius and Capricorn could not be more different. Capricorn is an earth sign while Aquarius is an air sign. Capricorn’s are stuck to the earth while Aquarian’s fly around the sky. Capricorn’s like to build structures, Aquarian’s like to tear them down.

We see from the actual planet Saturn, which controls both months, that one aspect faces back into the solar system towards the Sun while the other faces out to the infinity of space.

Aquarius is a breath of fresh air after Capricorn which can be a difficult month. Aquarius is filled with a lot of hope and positivity.

You cannot ignore an Aquarian, they are the Zodiacs eccentrics. They are different from other people and believe they can change the universe by themselves. They see problems already fixed. The problem is that they struggle to focus on the details. They just see the big picture. Time has no hold on an Aquarian. They don’t like limitations. They can be a little aloof because they see the whole picture already fixed. They can also be stubborn, but they do feel the pain of others. They are rebels with many causes.

Shevat is a good time to move ahead with projects. Think outside of the box, this month is the time to do this. There is an awakening for growth and expansion in this month. The secret is that this awakening has to come from below, from us. This is the concept of Maim Nukvin - Female Waters. Below is a brief explanation of this concept.

“When we develop within ourselves a great longing and yearning for HaShem, this produces a corresponding yearning on His part and a union is created (zivug). This is a big secret. In Kabbalah we call this Maim Nukvim and Maim Dochrim. What does this mean? Main Nukvim is our desire/effort to serve HaShem while Maim Dochrim is the energy/light (Siyata deShemaya) HaShem gives us in return for our effort. It is not always something that we can actually feel, but 100% it is there. Some people are sensitive to things and can actually feel this energy, like a warm glow all around them.

HaShem gives us energy/light(life force) regardless of whether we yearn for it or not. This is one of the biggest gifts that we get from HaShem as it is unconditional, regardless if we deserve it or not. The secret here is for that our arousal toward HaShem will precede His arousal towards us. This relates to the statement of Chazal that "when a woman's seed exits first during marital relations then she gives birth to a male." This light comes with mercy/rachamim. Baruch HaShem

However, when man does not arouse himself to HaShem, then it is HaShem that initiates His desire for man, for HaShem desires for man to return to Him. This relates to the statement, "when a man's seed exits first then the woman gives birth to a daughter." Unfortunately this scenario comes with the attribute of judgement.

Great damage takes place when a person feels no spiritual stirring to return to HaShem”.

The tikkun of the Aquarius is to focus on the details. Get the job done. They have to change their nature. Make the first move.

The month of Aquarius symbolizes redemption. You can actually feel it this month. The Aquarian sees the unity already there. They feel that it is already done. However, we live in the physical world where actions count, and this is the weak point of the Aquarian.

It states (Devarim 1:3,5), "It was in the fortieth year, on the eleventh month, on the first of the month (rosh chodesh Shevat)... Moshe began explaining the Torah..."

Tzaddikim said that this teaches us that on Rosh Chodesh Shevat, new bounties of Torah come down, to help people understand Torah. Moshe brought clarity in Torah for all generations. The Chidushei HaRim zt'l would say that on Rosh Chodesh Shevat, the wellsprings of Torah open. The Avnei Nezer zt'l said he can tell the difference between his chiddushei Torah before Rosh Chodesh Shevat and the chiddushei Torah learned after Rosh Chodesh Shevat.

Rosh Chodesh Shevat is therefore an ideal time to make a new commitment towards studying and growing in Torah. Take upon yourself a commitment to do a little more learning every day. One extra Halacha, one more Psalm, one more page of Zohar, etc. Surely HaShem will bless for this extra effort.

We have the holiday of Tu Bushvat in Shevat, on the 15th of the month. What is this holiday all about? It is said that Tu Bishvat is the Rosh Hashana/New Year of the vegetable kingdom. On the fifteenth of the month, which is the full moon, a very powerful day, we have the holiday of Tu Bishvat. The same as humans have Rosh Hashanah, the vegetable kingdom has Tu Bishvat. What is the lesson we learn from the vegetable kingdom and the trees?

Everything is this world is subject to the force of gravity. Drop a coin off a building and guaranteed it will fall to the street below. This is nature, gravity. The tree and plants are different. They grow up. They defy gravity and actually overcome it. Look at a tree 50 feet high and see how proud it stands, erect, going against nature. Like a tree, Aquarian’s have the power to break through the constraints of the physical world and tap into the world of miracles. This is a very good attribute to have.

A miracle is something above nature. The word in Hebrew for miracle is Neiss. The root of this word is Lanoos, to run away. When we run away from our nature and go against it, we go above nature and bring MIRACLES into our lives.

Use this holiday to connect to this energy of miracles. Look into your life, and I am sure you will find something to go against. Start small and guaranteed HaShem will help you succeed.

In Hebrew, Aquarius is Dlee, meaning bucket or pitcher. The bucket is the sign of Israel because it’s sole purpose is to draw water, and water is a symbol of Torah, as it is written; Isaiah ch. 55, v. 1: “Alas! All of you thirsty, come to the water.”

The essential purpose of Klal Yisrael is serve HaShem through the Torah, and even if the judgement of the constellations issues decrees, one can overturn them with the study of Torah.

The sign is represented by a water bearer, pouring water. Water represents mercy and and the pouring means purification. The Bnei Yisaschar, says that the water carrier is a sign of worthiness of the maiden, (Rivkah) destined to marry our Forefather, Yitzchak, from where a holy nation emerge.

Also what is the consciousness of a bucket? It wants to be filled. That is why it was created, to hold things and thus it is always wanting to be filled. Humans are the same. We also have our own bucket. We always have a desire to be filled. In this month we have the power to fill up our buckets.

The month is actually split into two, the first two weeks are still a little judgement and the last two are complete mercy.

The Name of HaShem for this month is Kei Yud Vav Kei.

The first two letters, Kei and Yud, are opposite to the Name of HaShem, which represents judgement, while the last two letters, Vav Kei, are in their right order, which represents mercy.

The Kei in the first position indicates great heavenly influx. The letters of the month are Tzadik and Bet. The line of the Ana Becoach is the same as Capricorn, the first line, which is the most powerful line. The first line of the Ana Becoach is connected to this month. The acronym for this first line has a numerology of 506 which is the same numerology as, Love for no reason, Ahavat Chinam. This six letter Name is one of the most powerful Names of HaShem. This line is a direct connection to the spiritual world and the antidote to Sinat Chinam, hatred for no reason which is what destroyed the second Temple.

We have the gift of this line for two months in a row. Only one month is available to use this year - Use this Name!!!!

The letters in Hebrew for Shevat are Shin, Bet and Tet which stand for Shalom/Peace, Berachya/Blessings and Tova/Goodness. Shevat is a good time to say Mishnaot. There are 3 sources of Misnayot - Zohar Mishnah and Sefer Yetzirah.

Asher, Yaacov’s son was born in Shevat, it is his tribe that is connected to this month, and the verse connected to his blessing has a word in it which spells Mishnah. Asher says that he will stand at the gates of hell and will not let them take a person who studies Mishnaot every day.

Also if you rearrange the letters of Asher in Hebrew, it spells Tosh/head, which connects to the top three Sefirot.

After the difficult month of Tevet, Shevat is filled with positivity.

Aquarian’s believe they can change the world single handedly. This is their power. The tap into the Redemption because they see everything already fixed and unified. They can tap into the universal consciousness. If they are able to put their ideas into practice, they can become very great. Have a great month and everyone should tap into their own power of redemption.

The month of Shevat is a time when anybody, no matter how far they are from Holiness, can easily come close to HaShem and renew themselves.

Don’t waste this opportunity!!!! Please

Chodesh Tov.

Commentary Addition of 5781 by Melinda Ribner

Chodesh Tov. We welcome the new month of Shevat on Wednesday night January 13th and Thursday January 14th. Spring will be coming literally and metaphorically. Do not lose hope.

The first part of the month may still feel dark, chaotic and harsh, but from a Kabbalistic perspective that is predicted to begin to change after the fifteenth of the month, the time of the full moon, when we celebrate the holiday of Tu B'Shevat, on January 28th. The month of Shevat is known as a time of new inspiration and creativity. The inner renewal within Shevat is not yet manifest on the physical plane but renewal always begins on the inner and hidden planes.

As we enter the month Shevat we must continue to release what no longer serves us. Letting go allows us the time and space to receive new inspiration. In Shevat we quiet the mind and go deep inside ourselves to contact the flow of new creative energy emerging within us. Take time to listen to what is bubbling up within you rather than try to figure out life or solve your problems with your mind.

The month of Shevat is an optimal time to conceive of new projects and open to newness in your life. Open to a new beginning. Say YES to the newness of life again. Take deep breaths for a few minutes. Breathe out the old with a deep exhalation, and then receive the new breath with gratitude and surrender. DO THIS LITERALLY. With each breath, seek to align yourself with Divine Love and Divine Will.

Welcome the new breath arising within you with gratitude and know that something new is going to come forth within you and within the world in the coming months. We will each bring forth our new beautiful visions into reality. Believe that you will bear new fruit and you will.

Torah portion Va'era is read this week of Rosh Chodesh. The Divine name of Infinite compassion YHVH that we call " Adonai' is first introduced to the people during their time of struggle in this week's Torah portion. The Patriarchs did not know this Divine Name of YHVH. This powerful Divine Name is revealed to the masses. The Torah tells us that God has heard the cries of the Jewish people and will liberate them. " I will take you out from under the burdens of Egypt, I will save you from their labor, I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and great acts. I will take you as a people for Myself.. and I will be a God to you."

Many of us are currently feeling ourselves and our world to be in precarious and challenging time. Just as the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt called out for divine assistance, we also must call out on a personal and collective level. Then we have to listen to be guided and get ready to move forward. Now is the time to strengthen our faith in the Divine. It may be helpful to repeat and meditate upon these sentences from the Torah portion.

According to Kabbalistic teachings, this month is also devoted to healing through eating. What and how we eat is an expression of who we are and our relationship is to God. Food is a contraction of Divine Light. By eating with the proper consciousness, the Godly sparks within foods are elevated and returned to their source. Eating provides an interface between the spiritual and material. When the spiritual and physical dimensions of our lives are unified, there is balance and joy.

In the month of Shevat, we reflect on what and how we eat to support our well being. Take time to commit to a diet that supports your well being. Whatever diet you chose for yourself, make an effort to give up processed foods and foods laden with chemicals and hormones. Be also mindful to eat when you are hungry rather than eat to stuff down negative feelings. And most importantly, eat slowly, chewing your food carefully, blessing before and after rather than gulping your food down unconsciously. Eating can be a most wondrous, holy, sensual and intimate experience. When we talk while we eat, we are not fully present to the experience of eating.

Blessings for a joyous fulfilling month of Shevat. Love, Melinda

Commentary Addition of 5780 - Part 1

Rosh Chodesh Shevat, mazal Dli; the new moon of the month of Shevat, sign Aquarius, is arriving. As all zodiacal signs, a lot is said also about the sign of Aquarius; here go some words about this formidable sign and its live and let live life-motto: It is known that Aquarians face and live life in a quite singular way, praising responsible freedom and autonomy not only to themselves but to all others too.

Thinking out of the box is their normal state of being, hence, they are rule-breakers though the changes they aim are always toward all that is established and never worked out or, if once did work, now is falling apart and doesn't work anymore.

Aquarians are fraternal towards all kinds of people; they have fast thought, grasping in the air what is going on, which enables them to envision solutions for a whole new, better and possible reality in the future they know it's coming next second from now. It is said that the sign of Aquarius is ruled by planets Saturn - which makes of Aquarians quite accountable people, and Uranus - which makes of Aquarians quite unpredictable people too. As curiosity is interesting to notice that while all planets of our solar system spin around their more or less vertical axis, planet Uranus spins around its horizontal axis. No wonder Aquarians are known as Masters of the Art of Originality!

Aquarians are inherently great sharing people, always for the sake of the broader world; however, when imbalanced, they may miss the point, slipping into eccentricities like 'rebels with no cause' use to do. Our dear Aquarians are quite aware of their worth but they should learn with their opposite sign in the axis - Leo, how to add to their lives a pinch of Leo's self-centered energy so to elevate more their self-esteem and appreciate more their closest ones as well as to value more their time and their skills and all the geniality Life toasted them with.

Shavua Tov and a blessed Chodesh Shevat Tov to all, time to let go of all those "heavy bags without handles neither wheels" such as one's and others' outdated thoughts, beliefs, things, issues, relationships, and so on. Time to rethink all situations that make life seem a boring-sad fate, full of obscure tacit agreements that inevitably bring frustrations for both the individual and collective-global lives, serving only to keep reality frozen in time (remembering that everybody is in a way or another under the influence of the sign of the month)!

Below, a nice overview (by Rabbi Max Weiman at kabbalahmadeeasy.com) on what is the month of Shevat about: "Shevat "The word “Shevat” is related to the Hebrew word for staff or rod. A staff can be used as a symbol of power, or as a cane to lean on. It serves a master. This is an underlying theme of the month. The constellation associated with this month is the Water-bucket. This symbol also represents an object that serves someone. It draws water. In secular astrology, the symbol is not the bucket but the carrier. This is one of two signs out of the twelve signs of the zodiac that differ slightly from secular astrology signs. This sign, known as Aquarius, is the sign of the Jewish people. Just like a person is designated by a sign of the zodiac, similarly, a people also have a sign designated to them.

The element wind is associated with Shevat. Out of the four elements, wind, earth, water, and fire, the wind is the least tangible. It often acts as a conduit for other things. It transports moisture, it brings seedlings and other particles of nature from one location to another. Earth, fire, and water are more important for what they are than what they do.

The tribe of Asher is kabbalistically associated with Shevat. “Asher” in Hebrew grammar connects the subject of a sentence to a verb. It supports the subject. This is another example of Shevat’s relationship to being subordinate to a master. All of these points suggest that the month of Shevat is prone to be a conduit for us. A stepping-stone to the next step in our lives. Similarly, many things in a person’s life can be looked at from two viewpoints. One view looks at the act itself. The other view is how the act is a means to an end.

For example, I may enjoy playing tennis once a week for the pure enjoyment of the game, the exercise, or the company of my playing partner. However, I can also use my weekly tennis game as a means to keep me physically healthy, which gives my whole life more enjoyment, which allows me to serve God with my life with generally more joy. That second viewpoint is not a contradiction to the first view. It is an added, more elevated outlook that makes my tennis playing a more powerful spiritual experience.

The letter kabbalistically associated with Shevat is the Tzadi, otherwise known as the Tzaddik. That word in Hebrew also means “righteous one”. One of the qualities of the “tzaddik” is that he uses all of his activities for a higher purpose. When he eats it is not just to enjoy the food, he eats to live so he can serve his Creator. The Talmud says, “A righteous man eats to satisfy his soul”. Eating is our most common activity that can be seen from these two viewpoints. It’s a daily opportunity for spiritual growth. Coincidentally, the human attribute kabbalistically associated with Shevat is “eating”. This daily experience is connected with the first commandment that the Creator gave to the first couple. God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Therefore we have a daily occasion to correct a part of our soul that is so deep and intrinsic to humanity it reaches back into the Garden of Eden. Shevat is a month to focus on this idea of using your normal daily behavior as a medium for spirituality. This month think through your work, play, exercise, eating, reading, etc. and focus on the spiritual side of them."

Commentary Addition of 5780 - Part 2

The secret of the staff, and therefore the month of Shevat, has to do with the simple and powerful consciousness of truly knowing that we are completely connected, always, to the Endless Light, the source of everything. And when we know this, the strength of our consciousness and knowledge of it will influence how much Light we can draw. For example, if we think this only might be true, but aren’t sure, then we draw only a sliver of Light from the source of everything. Yet if we come to a state where we’re constantly conscious and aware of this, then we’re able to draw greater and greater Light. When a person knows this and reminds himself of it all the time, that knowledge connects him to the source of life. The strength of that consciousness and knowledge, therefore, is the indicator of how much Light we will actually draw; the more powerful and clear this knowledge is in our consciousness, the more Light we can draw. So much so, the kabbalists explain, that there will come a time, as it says in the Prophet Zechariah, when every person with his shevat, his staff, will even be able to bring the Light to revive somebody who is dead. It’s constant work to continually remind ourselves that we are connected to the source of all things, always, and it is the strength of that knowledge and having that constant consciousness which affects how much, how many, and how powerful the manifestations of miracles and blessings are that we can bring into our lives. But when we do this work, which begins in this month of Aquarius, we are connected to the Light that can bring assistance in all areas. And to the degree there is doubt about that reality or lack of that consciousness is the degree of lack in what we can manifest

chanoch adds: 2 Reminders: 1) The above discussion, which comes from a student Named Sarah posted on the Daily Zohar website, applies to all months, since we reveal Light in all months. 2) Remember that a Tav can be substituted for a Tet. This will make the month of Shevat to be the month of concealed Shabat-s. The understanding of this statement is left to the student to contemplate.

Commentary Addition of 5780 - Part 3

This month is a time of new inspiration and creativity. The first part of the month may still feel dark and harsh, but that all changes after the fifteenth of the month, the time of the full moon, when we celebrate the holiday of Tu B'Shevat, beginning the night of February 9 and on February 10th 2020.

The inner renewal in Shevat is not yet be manifest on the physical plane but renewal always begins on the inner and hidden planes. This month of Shevat is pregnant with new possibilities. It may still be cold literally and metaphorically, but please remember that Spring is coming. Never lose hope!

The previous month of Tevet often gives us much opportunity to work on healing anger and jealousy within us. As we enter the month Shevat we continue to release what no longer serves us. Letting go allows us the time and space to receive new inspiration. In Shevat we quiet the mind, go deep inside ourselves to contact the flow of creative energy emerging within us. Take time to listen to what is bubbling up within you rather than try to figure out life or solve your problems with your mind.

The month of Shevat is an optimal time to conceive of new projects and open to newness in your life. Open to a new beginning. Say YES to the newness of life again. Take deep breaths for a few minutes. Breathe out the old with a deep exhalation, and then receive the new breath with gratitude and surrender. DO THIS LITERALLY. Just as the new breath arises within you, know that something new is going to come forth within you in the coming months. Believe that you will bear new fruit and you will. We will each bring forth our new beautiful visions into reality.

According to Kabbalistic teachings, this month is devoted to healing through eating. What and how we eat is an expression of who we are and our relationship is to God. Food is a contraction of Divine Light. By eating with the proper consciousness, the Godly sparks within foods are elevated and returned to their source. Eating provides an interface between the spiritual and material. When the spiritual and physical dimensions of our lives are harmonious and unified, there is balance and joy.

In the month of Shevat, we reflect on what and how we eat to support our well being. Take time to commit to a diet that supports your well being. Whatever diet you chose for yourself, make an effort to give up processed foods and foods laden with chemicals and hormones. Be also mindful to eat when you are hungry rather than eat to stuff down negative feelings. And most importantly, eat slowly, chewing your food carefully, blessing before and after rather than gulping your food down unconsciously.

Eating can be a most wondrous, holy, healing, sensual and intimate experience. You may want to experiment with this eating meditation below when you eat with others on Shabbat or even when you eat alone. In the olden days, I used to do silent Shabbaton meals with my students, meditating throughout the meal. So much can be learned and experienced by conscious eating, combined with meditations for unification with every bite. Those Shabbat meals were so very deep, awesome, and extraordinary experiences that I remember them even after 20 years.

EATING MEDITATION

In selecting the foods for a meal, take a moment to get in touch with what your body wants right now. Before you eat, take a moment to breathe at least four deep breaths to relax and become more present. Take a moment to feel grateful and say appropriate blessings, to release the divine sparks of holiness within the food. Be aware that this food has been given to nurture you in the ways we/you need right now. Eat slowly and consciously, chewing each bite of food many times until it becomes almost liquid. Be present with your eating as much as possible. Delight in the sense and taste sensations in all the foods that are on your plate. Be aware and grateful how this food is a divine gift and blessing to you. This food lifts you up on all levels and energizes you to serve God. After you complete eating, take a moment to relax, allowing all the food to digest, and say appropriate blessings of gratitude.

Food Blessings can be simple to learn and do. Lets learn Quickly. There are 6 categories of food each with its own Blessing for before one eat and 3 Blessings for eating after. The Blessing after is the more important. The categories are: Bread - Wine & Grape Juice - Fruit - Vegetables - Grains - Miscellaneous Food.

Here is a Blessing that most people do not know and use - will add prior to Rosh Chodesh

In addition to the quality of our physical food, we need to look at love and work in our lives, the main areas that either nurture or deplete us. In the month, take on a new behavior/ activity that nurtures your well- being and eliminate or limit a behavior or activity that drains or depletes you energetically. If that is not possible to let go of an activity or person who is draining, you can always work to change the way you respond to challenge. so you are not reactive or depleted. When we nurture ourselves with positive thought and activities, we are strengthened and less vulnerable to external stress.

This month will offer much blessing to you, even if it is not clearly manifest to you in the ways you can openly see. B e open to surprises, new people and new activities this month.

The Torah portion read during the week of Rosh Chodesh Shevat is Bo ( Exodus 10) recounting the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. This event is very much in line with the energy of this month, a time of breaking free from the past and beginning anew. In this Torah portion we see the final plaques given to demonstrate God's power and finally take the Jewish people out of Egypt. Before we can fully be on this journey towards freedom and love, we need to release some of the barriers restraining us in going forward. During the Torah portion of Bo, we read about Passover to help us in going forward.

Life today may be challenging on many levels. Just as the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt called out for divine assistance, we also must call out on a personal and collective level. Then we have to listen to be guided and get ready to move forward.

May we each have a wonderful blessed month of Shevat, filled with new beginnings.

Summary of the Month of Shevat and the Astrological sign of Dli - The water Carrier and / or Vessel

chanoch adds: One translation of the Hebrew word דלי - Dli is "Door to My Teaching". Another translation is "My Lack". This is due to the word Dal means lack.

Commentary from Daily Zohar by Lea

chanoch adds: Much of this commentary is traditional Hebrew Astrology while much is traditional western or regular astrology. It ignores the sidereal astrology system that is being developed over the last 30 - 40 years.

Today evening starts Rosh Chodesh Shevat, mazal Dli; new moon of Shevat, sign of Aquarius. It is said that those of sign of Aquarius are the visionary ones of the Zodiac, the lovers of freedom and free thinking therefore of knowledge, for knowledge frees. It is also said that Aquarians are sharing people and love to pass on all they learn and absorb, which makes them have lots of friends, mainly virtual friends; on the other hand, Aquarians cherish very much their independency and this can hinder any major emotional involvement with others (such configuration may arouse, at times, the morbid curiosity and bad mouthing of malicious people). Aquarians should pay attention on their so cherished need of independency, because it can reach the brinks of deep selfishness, a common feature found in the times we are living at - the Age of Aquarius. Remembering that everybody have all planets spread over the astrological map, hence, everybody are under the energy of sign of Dli/Aquarius, during the month of Shevat - Shavua Tov and Chodesh Tov to all! For those who would like to know a bit more, here is a nice article (by AstroloJew at astrolojew.blogspot.com): "Shevat belongs to the Tribe of Asher, and is associated with the Mazal of 'Dli', the pitcher of water, otherwise known as Aquarius, the Water-Bearer. Shevat's element is Fixed Air (even though Aquarius is the water-bearer!) and, appropriate to the Tribe of Asher (which is associated with delicious foods), the Sefer Yetzirah tells us that the stomach is the body organ associated with Shevat, and the Tikkun of Shevat has to do with eating. The Bnei Yisachar ("Discourses on Shevat") says that according to Astrology, Dli-Aquarius is the sign of the Jewish People. No other sign of the Zodiac is as concerned with issues of humanitarianism, universalism and the brotherhood of mankind as is Aquarius. The bucket of water is an appropriate sign for Israel, because water is a symbol for Torah, and it is Israel's job to be the water-bearer for this world. Each of the Four Elements (Fire, Air, Earth and Water) operate in one of Three Modalities (Cardinal/Initiating, Fixed/Establishing or Mutable/Transforming). The Month of Shevat is the Fixed Air Sign of the Zodiac. All three Air Signs (Gemini/Sivan, Libra/Tishrei and Aquarius/Shevat) are associated with the Torah - which was given over by Moshe ("Mishna Torah") beginning on Rosh Chodesh Shevat (Aquarius, Fixed Air, Establishing Torah). The Torah was given to the Jewish Nation at Sinai during the Month of Sivan (Gemini, Mutable Air, Transforming Torah) and during Tishrei the Second Set of Tablets were given (Libra, Cardinal Air, Initiating Torah). It is interesting to note the Planets associated with the Months and their Modalities in this example. The Planet Mercury (Kokhav) which has to do with communication, is associated with Gemini (Mutable/Transforming Air) and the Tribe of Zebulon, known for conducting commerce (via shipping) with foreign nations. The Planet Venus (Noga) is associated with Libra (Cardinal/Initiating Air) and the Tribe of Ephraim. Venus is concerned with beauty, relationships, balance and justice/fairness, as well as the arts and romantic love. The Second Set of Tablets that were given by Moshe during Tishrei were the sign of the RELATIONSHIP that HKBH could live with in regards to the Jewish People. There are two Planets associated with AQUARIUS. One is Saturn (Shabtai) which co-rules Capricorn/Tevet, and the other is Uranus (Oron). There are good reasons for the co-rulership and the evolving of our consciousness about the Planets in general and their relationship to the Nations of this world. SATURN (Shabtai) is concerned with structure, order, organization, boundaries and restriction ('Tzimtzum'). The relationship between Tevet and Shevat is most interesting. They are the Months on this side of the year said by the Ari as "belonging to Esav" from Rosh Chodesh Tevet - which remember, is STILL within Chanukah! - until Tu b'Shvat. Tevet and Shevat are the two eyes (according to the Holy Ari who attributed facial organs to the Hebrew Months), Tevet is "Ayin" and associated with the right eye, and Shevat is "Tzadik" and associated with the left eye. One needs both the right and left eye to see properly and in perspective. URANUS (Oron) is originality, individualism, humanitarianism, a visionary perspective. It's the energy associated with chiddushim, original insights. No other Sign of the Zodiac has more talent for originality, or is so intellectually curious, as Aquarius. It is interesting to recall that both Copernicus and Galileo were Aquarians. Shevat is the Month most conducive to original thought."

Ancient Hebrew Astrology Connections

Name: Shevat שבט The word Shevat means Tribe. It also has the meaning of Scepter. The nature of the astrological connection to the month of Shevat is about your Tribe. This is expanding the idea of a Tribe being an extension of your family. Your consciousness is going to determine the extent to which you expand your consciousness to include in your "Tribe". Do you think of yourself as a member or citizen of your state or country or are you a member of the human species? This is one of the aspects of the energy of Shevat. The idea of a Scepter is a tool that identifies your power. This is due to the idea that the Heads of the Tribes hold the Scepter of office. This is an aspect of people outside of you have sway in helping you to determine your values and goals.

Concealed in the month of Shevat is the energy of the Day of Rest called Shabbat. This comes from the notariken (letter substitution) method of substituting a Tav for a Tet. They both have similar sounds. When this is done the word becomes Shabbat שבת. This truth is teaching us about the period of Shevat which is the beginning of spring. Shabbat is a rest day. Gestation is also a rest period preparing the fetus for entry into the world. Shevat is that kind of period for us.

Attribute: Taste ליטה Leetah This attribute reflects the energy of Shevat where it relates to the spices we add to our food to give us pleasure. Our food can be pleasurable or not as our consciousness relates to the events of the month.

Ancient Tribal Connection: Joseph יוסף Joseph has the meaning of "shall increase". This concept of increase is the natural essence of the energy of spring. Renewal implies increase. New growth must include an increase over the winter declines. Joseph is also the chariot for the Sefirah of Yesod which translates as foundation. Yesod is a funnel that gathers and shares. It brings the Shefa from the spiritual level of Blessings and distributes them throughout the physical world while it is also gathering the prayers and actions of mankind and elevating these actions to motivate a continuous flow of Shefa. It does this using the Creative energy and Sexual Power.

Modern Tribal Connection: Asher אשר Asher has the meaning of Happiness. Jacob's wife Leah named the child from the surrogate mother Zilpah (Leah's handmaid) Happy or Asher. Yet it is a bittersweet happiness since she was unable to bear the child herself as she would have liked. She was happy to provide Jacob a fifth son, yet she would have preferred if that would have happened with her as the birth mother.

Tribal Totem for Joseph is complicated. It includes three different animals. One for Joseph, one for Efraim, and one for Menashe: פורת - שור - רעם Porat is the Totem for Joseph, which translates as Wild Donkey. The actual word for Donkey in Hebrew in Chamor. Chamor also has the meaning of the physical world. Joseph as the chariot for Yesod is in control of the physical world and explains this Totem. Shor is the totem for Joseph's youngest but most prominent son Efraim. Shor translates as Bull. Some of the modern Kabbalists translate this as Buffalo. These modern Kabbalists explain that the Buffalo has the capacity to diminish the frenzy of the angry bull and redirect this energy toward a more creative and constructive aspects. The Rayam is translated as an Oryx which is a large powerful desert dwelling Antelope. The Rayam represents an opposite essence of family which is related to the Shor. The Aquarian child will sometimes need the Family and Home to nurture its growth and sometimes will be stifled by the family and need the freedom of the wild donkey.

One final point to keep in mind. The Shor has the same letters as one of the Names of God Vav Shin Reish which deals with recognizing patterns of behavior including patterns of mistakes that remain uncorrected from lifetime to lifetime. This helps to explain the genius of the Aquari person.

Tribal Stone: Onyx שהם The Shoham stone has the quality of charisma, illusion, delusion. The onyx stone has the paradoxical power to remove delusions from people who have them and to give delusions to people without them. The onyx stone has the essence of medicine. Take too much and you will get sick, while in the correct amount it assists you in returning to balance. It is for this reason that the onyx stone is to be used sparingly.

Tribal Herb: Smoke Rising Plant מעלה עשן Maleh Ashan This plant is very important to the mixture of the Ketoret. It is not included in the 11 components but is mixed with them after they are mixed. This plant has the ability to rise straight up to heaven without deviation, just as the Aquarian has the ability to balance family and "saving the world". The knowledge of which plant this is has been lost. It was the secret of one family of Cohenim. The final descendants of this family tried to pass the information to Rabbi Akiva after the destruction of the Temple. When the scroll with the information was opened it disintegrated into powder. The teaching that the Sages took away from this incident is what is yours will be yours and never worry about losing it. What is not yours will be taken from you and one need not worry about its loss. This knowledge will be returned to the Cohen family from which it was removed when the appropriate time arises.

House: House of Love בית האהבה The essence of the House of Love is "sharing". Giving to others without an expectation of return.

Zodiac Sign: Water Pitcher דלי Delee The water pitcher acts as a vessel for the energy of water which is Chesed or Loving kindness.

Tribal Flag: For Efraim שחור עד מאוד Shachor Ayd MeOd. This flag is black with the emblem of the Shor. Black is the color of reception or vessel. The connection of the Light in the form of the Shor or one of the 72 names of God and the vessel represented by the black color represents the idea of unity as represented by Joseph being the second in command in Egypt. The Tribal flag for Menashe is the same except the animal is the Rayem which attribute represents power and agility.

Tribal Direction: West מערב MaArav MaArav can be translated as "from the evening". This relates to the idea of Sefirah of Malchut dealing with Manifestation.

Essence of Shevat שבט

The Name of this 11th month of the Hebrew Calendar is Shevat spelled with Tet as the last letter. The month of Shevat seems to be two different months in one. The first two weeks prior to the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat reminds of the month of Tevet and the energy "seems" to be unchanged. The last two weeks after the Holiday are very different. These last two weeks transform into a much more positive month.

The energy of these two periods is really the same but feels like two different aspects. One aspect is Appeasement and one aspect is Abundance. What is the difference? Appeasement is sharing that feels like giving. In Kabbalah, giving is sharing with your own agenda while sharing has no personal agenda. Sharing is when you are a channel for the Light to share through you to another person.

Appeasement has a bad connotation in the western world since the 1930's when the West appeased the voracious appetite of Germany and its Leader. It was not truly sharing even though so much was given. In effect it is a transfer of resources from one to another under duress of some type.

Abundance on the other hand is usually thought of as relating to physical resources; yet it actually applies to both spiritual and physical resources. When things (spiritual or physical) are in abundance people find it easier to share. Yet unless it is acting as a channel of the Light of HaShem it is simply giving under another name.

That is actually the Tikune during Shevat to become a channel for the Light of HaShem and remove your own ego from the equation. Of course, this is the Tikune in any month; only in Shevat it is more concentrated.

The whole month of Shevat is included in the period of Shovvavim and is a good time to relate to your tikune - correction for the Sefirah of Yesod. Yesod is usually thought of as the sexual organs. It is also an aspect of the Creative energy. It is a good time to plan and seek change from your previous year, as you prepare for the holiday of Pesach and spring.

This year Rosh Chodesh Shevat corresponds to the evening of January 16 and the day of January 17 2021, which falls on a Monday. Please remember that Rosh Chodesh is announced by Man, not an effect of the cycle of the moon. Please see below in the section on the Holiday for a meditation that will assist you in balancing your individual energy and also balancing our Global energy so mitigate the effects of Global Warming.

Shevat and the Tetragrammaton

The months of the Hebrew year are connected to the Tetragrammaton. The Kabbalists teach that Tevet along with Shevat and Adar are connected to the lower Hey. In Kabbalah the lower Hey represents Malchut which is called Sister and also called Wife to the "Son" which is Zeir Anpin. Malchut and the lower Hey is a metaphor for our physical world. It is also representative of the final step in any process or goal. We use the word manifestation to express this idea.

Shevat being the 11th month also represents the Malchut. Yet it is not the final step since there one more month in the year. There are two aspects to the number 11 just as there are two aspects to the energy in Shevat. 11 represents being more than 10. It represents the idea that there is a negative system that is not included in the 10 Sefirot. There is a negative system that is created to oppose the positive system of the 10 Sefirot.

At the same time there are 11 components in the Incense that was burned in the Temple. That incense represents a tool to bring us closer to HaShem. One of those components smelled horribly when burned by itself. When burned within the Incense all 11 worked together to create a smell that is heavenly. Shevat teaches us that the negative side is necessary; yet it must be limited and controlled so that it does not take over the Whole Process.

Here are the letters of the month. Also, the Tetragrammaton Permutation for the month of Shevat

צ ץ ב היוה

The letter Bet is related to Blessing while the Letter Tzadi is related to Righteousness. Both letters represent balance and the Central Column of the Tree of Life. The month of Shevat gives us the opportunity to reveal Truth and Light and Goodness in our life and in the quantum level consciousness of the world. It is for this reason that Shevat is called the month of Redemption, since the physical world is usually thought of as darkness and exile. Of course, normal people do not think of this world as an exile from our true home. Our true home is with the Creator in Heaven. This consciousness is necessary to help bring the Mashiach with Mercy and avoid the Armageddon War.

Now, let us look at the permutation of the Tetragrammaton for the month of Shevat and what we can learn.

The Tetragrammaton is normally spelled יהוה. The Yood is in the first position. The first position is normally considered the World of Atzilut (Emanation). The second position normally has a Hey and is considered the world of Beriah (Creation). The third position normally has a Vav and is considered the World of Yetzirah (Formation). The fourth position normally has a Hey and is considered the world of Assiya (Action or Manifestation).

All of these worlds in the paragraph above relate to descriptions and teachings in Kabbalah. They are metaphors to help us understand and relate to these worlds that we do not see with our physical senses.

The word that is the Tetragrammaton is actually the Hebrew verb "to be" in a conjugated form. The Yood at the beginning of a Hebrew verb indicates action. Therefore, the Name of God translates into English as "Active Being." The ultimate essence of "Active Being" is transcendent power of love and compassion without regard to people's merit.

This normal permutation which is used in the month of Nissan puts the Name of God in its normal, proper, and optimal placement to provide for the maximum flow of the Beneficence of HaShem. In essence the Yood, in the World of Atzilut, allows for a concentrated point of connection to the World of Ain Sof or Endless World. The upper Hey in Beriah expands to support actual birthing and Creation. The Vav then channels this energy of Creation into the final Hey in the World of Malchut which is Manifestation.

When we look at the permutation for Shevat, we see the upper worlds in reverse order, the Hey prior to the Yood, while the lower worlds have the regular order of the Hey following the Vav. When the upper worlds are in reverse order we know that the energy influx is extremely strong and the mental level requires a lowering of its vibration level in order to handle that much energy. This is then channeled through the heart and finally into our world of action.

The letters of the Month

The Tzadi is the letter that created the sign of D'li or the Aquarian sign. The Tzadi also created the month of Shevat. D'li translates as a bucket usually called a "water bucket." Another metaphor for the sign of Aquarius is the water carrier not just the water bucket. In Kabbalah, water is always a sign for Torah and also for the energy of Loving Kindness which is translated as Chesed. The Tzadi letter is cognate to the word Tzadik which represents the complete and fully corrected individual man. The Tzadik is always doing the "Right" or Correct action. Always. In fact when someone does a Right action at that moment they have the consciousness of a Tzadik. Yet they can not maintain that consciousness. In Aquarius we find it easier to maintain ourselves in doing the Right actions. This is because the universe supports the Right actions of sharing, as described above. It also explains why the period of Shovavim occurs over the month of Shevat.

The Bet created the planet Saturn which is the furthest planet from the sun of the visible planets (the 7 inner planets). As the furthest from the sun Saturn appears distant and cold and this just reinforces the idea that the physical world is the most important. This is why the Capricorn people develop ideas about their having built what they have accumulated materially over their lifetime. This is clearly a wrong image since everything comes from the Creator. Now that we are in Shevat we would expect this same energy to be manifesting but it does not. This is explained by the physical cause that the planet Saturn always has one side of the planet facing the sun and the other side facing the openness of the universe. These are the two aspects of the Bet and of the differences between Capricorn which is always limited to the solar system and the open look of the Aquarian trying to save the universe.

The gematria of the Tzadi and Bet is 92. 92 is equal to 91 plus the Colel. 91 as we know represents the unity of the Spiritual and Physical worlds. 92 has this energy even at a stronger more intense level. This unity is what allows the Tzadik to do the Right action.

Holidays in Shevat

There is only one Holiday in Shevat. It is the Holiday of Tu B'Shevat. This Name translates as the 15th of Shevat which is the date of the Holiday. It is also the date where the Talmud teaches us that rain in Israel defines a different level of consciousness. If it rains prior to the 15th of Shevat this rain waters the previous year's crops. If after Tu B'Shevat it waters this year's crops. This matters for the purposes of tithing the crops.

There is also a teaching in the Talmud which explains that the Sap that runs in trees and indicates the beginning of spring starts to flow on Tu B'Shevat. The Kabbalists started or revealed the idea of a Seder to be done for the fruits and to enhance this idea of spring and the rising of the Sap about 600 years ago. This Holiday is actually a celebration of the ecology as well as the tool of Binding by Striking. In Kabbalah gravity is the energy of the desire to receive for oneself alone. Gravity is the cause of every aspect of mass desiring (or causing to flow towards) every other aspect of mass. Trees are the tallest living thing on our planet. Why do they grow so tall? The Kabbalists explain that the Trees have an innate energy of the desire to receive in order to share. The Holiday of Tu B'Shevat is the New Year for Trees. Actually, Tu B'Shevat is one of 4 New Years in the Hebrew Calendar. Rosh Hashana is one, Tu B'Shevat is another, a third is First of Nissan the New Year for Kings, and the 4th is the First of Elul. The New Year in Elul is used to tithe the kosher animals for the Year. If an animal is born after Rosh Chodesh Elul it is tithe as coming from the group tithed in the following year.

As said above, this year Tu B'Shevat is on Monday January 21 2019. This year unlike most years the Shabbat Shira. is the Shabbat prior to Tu B'Shevat. It is the Shabbat Named Song of the Sea. It is the Parasha that reveals the 72 Names of God; Also, the 72 Names from the Tzadikim; Actually there are 9 other permutations of the three verses at Exodus Chapter 14 Verses 19 to 21 for a total of 11 permutations.

As indicated above, when we need additional energy to balance the negativity in the world HaShem provides this by having the Holidays coincide with Shabbat. Remember this does not happen due to the calendar. It happens because men declare the new month. HaShem sends his Angels the Teli (from Sefer Yetzirah fame) to influence the declaring the new moon so that the Holiday or Rosh Chodesh or both fall on Shabbat. THIS IS HASHEM'S MERCY IN ACTION.

By hearing the Torah Reading on these Shabbatot (plural of Shabbat) we receive the additional energy of the Maftir for Rosh Chodesh and the Haftara for Rosh Chodesh. These readings assist us in receiving the enhanced energy of Shabbat and the Holiday in a balanced way.

High Energy Days

There are no other high energy days except Tu B'Shevat and Rosh Chodesh Shevat. Actually every day is a High Energy Day complete with the energy of Shovavim.

Any questions about the above write to yeshshem@hotmail.com

Tzadikim who left in Shevat

Our Tzadikim have given us a great tool. Themselves! Their Hilulah is the opportunity to utilize their connection to the Creator to make our connection easier. The method we use is to light a Yahrzeit candle (25 hour candle) and learn about the Sage. This strengthens our connection to the Tzadik and through that connection allows us to reach the Creator more easily.

It is recommended that one mentions the Names of the Tzadikim every evening at the start of your evening prayer connection or just prior to going to sleep each evening.

Tribe and Tribal Leader connected to Shevat

Here is the connection to the Tribe for the month and the Leader of that Tribe from our website, with information about the Nasi and the attributes dealing with this month.

The Tribe for the month of Shevat is the

  • Tribe of Asher.
  • I suggest you spend some time during this month checking out the attributes of the name Asher and the Name of the Nasi who gave the dedication and his consciousness of why he gave what he gave. Remember not all of these attributes are positive and with the tool of "Binding by Striking" we can correct them and transform them into positive aspects.

    Practical Tools to adopt in Shevat

    Here are strategies to adopt for this month of Shevat.

    1. Do New Things Shevat is the month of renewal which we refer to as spring. By doing actions that are new you achieve to different connections. One you bring yourself to the consciousness and excitement of spring and you also take yourself out of your comfort zone which is an attribute associated with Binding by Striking.

    2. Learn Torah When we study Torah we are listening to HaShem speak to us. When we learn Torah we manifest those words from HaShem in our lives. This month add some additional study time and take the words you study into your life through practical means. When was the last time you went to an old age home or a homeless shelter and visited with someone you do not know so that you can bring joy and human compassion into their life? You will also receive this compassion and joy in your life.

    3. Be Conscious as You Eat The month of Shevat, according to Kabbalah, corrects the sense of eating. This correction is achieved when we become conscious as we eat and also of what we eat. Is it healthy? Is it just the first level of consciousness? Is it Kosher? Is it another level? Do you think about what you chew? Are you chewing your food 101 times like your parents taught you to do? Of course, they probably told you to do what they say and not what they do. Perhaps this Shevat you might try to learn the Hebrew Blessings over Food as well as the Hebrew Blessing for after eating. This is one step in correcting the aspect of eating, which is one spark of Light that can only be fully corrected when Mashiach comes. This is due to the reality that we must eat to live and therefore can not totally correct the desire to receive for oneself alone. Although a good step is to eat only to give pleasure to the creator who created what you eat for your pleasure. This consciousness creates a complete circuit of energy and you will find that you will eat less and loose those pounds you promised to lose this year. You will also find your immune system being strengthened as well.

    4. Look into becoming vegetarian or Kosher. Most people do not know that we will reverse the process of the Fall of Adam as Mashiach manifests in this world. This means that the evolutionary process which the scientists have gotten almost right will reverse itself. Man prior to the flood did not eat meat. This will be true when Mashiach comes as well. Learn about the energy of food such as foods grown close to you are better for you than foods grown around the world from you. Also, learn the energy of food such as not mixing milk and meat which are code words for continuity and end. Learn why there are two signs for a kosher animal - chewing its cud and cloven hoofs. Cloven Hoofs represent Left and Right column energy running through the animal. Chewing its cud represents in built Binding by Striking that allows the energy in the animal to balance itself so that it is easier for the human being to maintain balance when he eats an animal. There is so much more to learn about eating in the Torah way.

    The Tikune in Shevat

    If your lunar north node is in the Zodiac sign of Shevat, your Tikune is in Shevat.

    If you do not know where your north node is within your astrological chart send me your birth date birth location and birth time to yeshshem@hotmail.com. I will send you information on how to find your north node and your personal Tikune.

    The Tikune in Shevat

    If your lunar north node is in the Zodiac sign of Aquarius, your Tikune is in Aquarius.

    You bring the traits of the Leo into this life from your last lifetime. You are a true monarch, returning to the physical realm to correct pride left over from your previous incarnation. In your last incarnation, you dominated your subjects. You lived in the limelight. You loved flashiness and luxury, and as a result you will not find it easy to do without. Moreover, overcoming your pride will not be the obvious thing to do, since pride has been reinforced in previous reincarnations.

    The tikune in Aquarius will make you face difficulties in your marriage—namely, accepting a partner as an equal with whom to share everything. This is the preliminary “drill” to overcoming your pride. At the outset of your present incarnation, you still sought the admiration to which you were formerly accustomed. You arrogantly exploited your power to control others. Considering yourself the center of the universe was your way of expressing a need for love and gratitude. You had to struggle to discern reality. Having lived in an artificial world, you had great difficulty finding a spiritual path. As one used to ruling over your subjects, climbing down does not come naturally to you.

    A tikune in Aquarius engenders certain obstacles in relationships. In marriage, for example, you must slowly but surely abandon your preoccupation with your own selfish desires. You will have to exchange your sacrosanct independence for a new concept: interdependence. This world is not “me” versus all others; we are all equal on the same level. If you give up honor and glamour, you will succeed in creating an immense restriction and take control of the duality of your correction—your personal life and your humanitarian mission.

    The tikune in Aquarius is, in fact, that of the true missionary. You can attain the consciousness of a cosmic reality and feel responsible for humanity as a whole. You can know true friendship and perhaps even universal fraternity. Having inherited a leonine power, you have the strength to accomplish this task. Utilize it for the benefit of all. You can experience an exceptional and unique adventure in the history of humanity if you manage the most difficult restriction: silencing your ego and practicing humility and modesty while living in simplicity.

    I am going to end this blog with a wonderful story suitable for Shevat and Aquarius.

    In Second Temple times there lived a man whose name was Micah. Micah dreamed of World Peace and the coming of Mashiach. He decided to help manifest his dream so he built a very special house that would emphasize and embody his dream.

    He built his house out of stone. This was because he did not want to destroy any trees to be used in his house. He did not want the energy of destruction to be connected to his house. Destruction and Peace do not have affinity.

    He did not use any metal to carve or cut his stones that he used in his house. This is because metal is used in war and war and peace do not have affinity.

    He built the house with his own hands and when he was completed, he planted a fig tree in the garden outside his house.

    Micah envisioned that people would come from everywhere in the world on their way to Jerusalem to the Third Holy Temple as we all are going to do after Mashiach. Micah envisioned people eating under his fig tree in his garden and then he would leave the crumbs for the birds to eat and the result would be the birds would pick up and clean away the crumbs from the table as a service to Micah.

    One day a Prophet came to eat at his house. Micah like Abraham our Patriarch was very sharing. He provided a place of rest and food and other comforts for anyone who came by his house. After all it was a house of peace. Of course, he never charged anyone for these services and he did not even ask for donations unlike many people in our generation.

    Micah did not know the man was a Prophet. When the Prophet was finished with his meal, he offered Micah to pay for it. Micah knew never to say no so he accepted some money in payment and immediately put the money back into the coat of the Prophet. The Prophet knew what he had done.

    The Prophet Blessed Micah by saying, "In heaven they are so impressed with your house and your sharing, HaShem sent me here to tell you that one day a child of yours will eat a fig from the tree outside of your house and this action will manifest Mashiach." At that time, Micah did not have any children.

    The next day the Temple was destroyed and Chas V'Shalom Blood ran in the streets of Jerusalem. Micah went into exile along with the other members of his family and his Tribe.

    Yet the Dream of Micah and Micah's story continue to held on to and to be repeated and told over and over even up to this day,

    This is why people serve figs to their children, because, maybe the fig they serve to their children might be grown from a tree that grew from a seed that came from Micah's Fig Tree. And maybe the hearing of this story by their children will mean that their children will also have a Dream of World Peace and thereby be considered a child of Micah. Maybe this child eating this fig will manifest Mashiach. Maybe or Perhaps the teachings of Kabbalah will catch on and people will know that this child is a child of Micah and they will know that this fig tree is outside of Micah's house outside of Jerusalem. AND THIS ACTION IS WHAT WILL MANIFEST MASHIACH both metaphorically and physically depending on your world view.

    Have a wonderful Peaceful month. You CAN bring your Mashiach and thereby the global Mashiach this month.

    During Shevat every person will be influenced by

    The universe will support the consciousness of Let Go and Let God. If you try to hold onto your negativity the universe will kick you in the groin during this month. Let go and you will be amazed at what can be accomplished towards world peace and joy.

    In conclusion

    Shevat can be a very stimulating month or you can remain in the coldness of winter. The choice is yours. Just try to do the whole process one step at a time.

    Here is a meditative tool to help with your choice.

    Teaching by Kabbalah of the Heart

    According to Kabbalistic teachings, this month is devoted to healing through eating. What and how we eat is an expression of who we are and our relationship is to God. Food is a contraction of Divine Light. By eating with the proper consciousness, the Godly sparks within foods are elevated and returned to their source. Eating provides an interface between the spiritual and material. When the spiritual and physical dimensions of our lives are unified, there is balance and joy.

    In the month of Shevat, we reflect on what and how we eat to support our well being. Take time to commit to a diet that supports your well being. Whatever diet you chose for yourself, make an effort to give up processed foods and foods laden with chemicals and hormones. Be also mindful to eat when you are hungry rather than eat to stuff down negative feelings. And most importantly, eat slowly, chewing your food carefully, blessing before and after rather than gulping your food down unconsciously.

    Eating can be a most wondrous, holy, sensual and intimate experience. When we talk while we eat, we are not fully present to the experience of eating.

    Often when we eat alone, we read or watch television and are similarly distracted.

    You may want to experiment with this eating meditation when you eat with others on Shabbat or even when you eat alone. I used to do silent Shabbaton meals with my students, meditating throughout the meal. It was a very deep and powerful learning experience.

    EATING MEDITATION

    In selecting the foods for a meal, take a moment to get in touch with what your body wants right now. Before you eat, take a moment to breathe, to feel grateful and say appropriate blessings. Be aware that this food has been given to nurture you in the ways we you need right now. Eat slowly and consciously, chewing each bite of food many times until it becomes almost liquid. Be present with your eating as much as possible. Delight in the sense and taste sensations in all the foods that are on your plate. Be aware and grateful how this food is such a divine gift and blessing to you. This food lifts you up on all levels and energizes you to serve God. After you complete eating, take a moment to relax, allowing all the food to digest, and say appropriate blessings.

    In addition to the quality of our physical food, we need to look at love and work in our lives, the main areas that either nurture or deplete us. Identify those things that support and nurture you and develop a plan to include them in your life. and let go of what is draining and depleting Do we support our well being. In the month, take on a new behavior/ activity that nurtures your well being and eliminate or limit a behavior or activity that drains or depletes you energetically.

    This month will offer much blessing to you, even if it is not clearly manifest to you in the ways you can openly see. Be open to surprises, new people and new activities this month. The Torah portion introducing the month of Shevat is Bo in the book of Exodus ( Exodus 10) recounting the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. This event is very much in line with the energy of this month, a time of breaking free from the past and beginning anew. In this Torah portion we see the final plaques given to demonstrate God's power and finally take the Jewish people out of Egypt. Before we can fully be on this journey towards freedom and love, we need to release the some of the barriers restraining us in going forward. During the Torah portion of Bo, we read about Passover.

    Life today may be challenging on many levels. Just as the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt called out for divine assistance, we also must call out on a personal and collective level. Then we have to listen to be guided and get ready to move forward.

    Kol Tuuv

    chanoch