Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish civil calendar and the seventh month in the religious calendar. It is a significant time filled with important Jewish holidays and spiritual reflection.
Tishrei is a time of renewal, forgiveness, and joy, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and community.
Learn about it in depth here:
Hashem’s Name
The sequence of the four letters in Hashem's 'name' for Elul is Hei-Hei-Vav-Yud. There is a concept where a 'lower' entity receives from a 'higher' entity. In Hashem's name, two letters are considered receptive (Hei and Hei), while two are seen as giving (Vav and Yud). The sequence of letters in Elul symbolizes a flow from bottom to top: starting with the lower recipient (the lower Hei), then the upper recipient (the upper Hei), followed by the lower giver (the Vav), and finally the higher giver (the Yud).
During Elul, individuals practice Teshuvah. This process involves aligning with the higher Mashpia and reflecting on the past year. By returning everything to its source, one can start the new year with clarity and compassion.
The lower Hei of Hashem's name represents actions, while the upper Hei represents mindset. The process of 'returning the Hei' involves fixing actions first. However, changing mindset is crucial to sustain positive actions long-term. How can we cultivate a new 'second nature' to instinctively act positively?
Shifting mindset involves actions beyond thoughts, outsmarting the ego, and forming new positive habits through consistent small actions to reprogram the subconscious mind.
Torah Verse
The arrangement of the Hashem’s Name for this month is derived from the final letters of this month's verse “..... וַירְאוּ אֹתָה שָׂרֵי פַרְעֹה”
Avraham and Sarah left Israel for Egypt due to a famine. Sarah's extraordinary beauty attracted the attention of Egyptian princes, who desired her for Pharaoh, highlighting a negative desire based solely on visual attraction and lust. There are two approaches to experiencing the present: living for the now and living in the now. The princes of Egypt exemplified living for the now by impulsively wanting Sarah. This approach leads to a distorted sense of presence, limiting awareness and responsibility, and disconnecting from the truth of the living present. Authentic presence requires intentionality and openness to the consequences of our actions. To live in the now is to behold the eternal present, which encompasses all of the past, present and future. As a result, it is also in direct contact with the future outcome of actions taken in the present. When we are living intimately in the now, our intimate lives can be that much more wholesome and real, because then there is nothing else, and certainly nobody else on our mind besides the other.
In Tishrei, when time begins anew, we are afforded the ability to create a Tikkun for those moments we squandered in living impulsively for the now. We can begin to live with deeper presence and attain holy physical intimacy with our spouse, and appropriate emotional and spiritual intimacy with others and with all of life.
Letter
The corresponding letter for the month of Tishrei is Lamed
The graphic design of Lamed features two triangular shapes that are only partially defined: a larger triangle positioned below and a smaller one above. These two triangles create a sense of equilibrium, reminiscent of a scale, which connects to Libra, the zodiac sign for this month. This scale symbolizes a balanced awareness of living in the present, guiding us toward future fulfillment with a sense of responsibility and joy.
The shape of the Lamed distinctly symbolizes upward movement, representing aspirations and the pursuit of higher goals. It stands out as the only letter in the Aleph-Beis that extends beyond the upper limits of the other letters. During the month of Tishrei, we elevate ourselves into a realm of forgiveness and spiritual growth, moving from the lower state to a higher existence. In Tishrei, we can start anew, elevating ourselves for the coming winter months, which require us to generate our own warmth, reflecting a movement 'from below to Above.'
The word Lamed signifies Limud, meaning 'learning' or 'teaching,' representing the pursuit of knowledge. It highlights the role of a teacher or guide that encourages us to stay focused on our life direction. During Tishrei, the "Days of Awe" inspire us to accelerate towards fulfilling our purpose and emphasize the importance of justice and righteousness.
Lamed is the central letter of the Aleph-Beis, with eleven letters preceding it and ten following. It represents the King of the sending letters. The letter that pairs with Lamed is Kaf, which symbolizes a throne (kisei). According to the Medrash, Lamed embodies the essence of a King seated upon his throne. Tishrei is the seventh month, representing the 'middle' of the annual cycle of months, during which we crown Hashem as the King and the focal point of the Universe.
Name of the Month: Tishrei
The name Tishrei likely comes from the Akkadian "Tashritu," meaning 'to begin' or 'to dedicate,' marking the start of the agricultural year. Its phonetic similarity to "Tari'u," related to the Shofar blast, ties it to Rosh Hashanah, which the Torah refers to as "Yom Teruah" or the day of Shofar blowing.
The letters in the word Tishrei (Tav, Shin, Reish, Yud) represent the four fundamental letters found in the Hebrew word Reishit, meaning "beginning." In fact, the Torah designates the month of Tishrei as the start of the year, and interestingly, the word now consists of the same four letters as the word own, just arranged in a different order.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are referred to as "the Days of Judgment," signifying a profoundly positive decree – the promise of a fulfilling year ahead. However, the essence of Din, or judgment, remains present. The letters that form the word Tishrei are arranged in reverse order within the Aleph-Beis. The Zohar notes that writing the Aleph-Beis backward symbolizes Din and Gevurah, or strength. This backward movement also represents the idea of progressing from a lower state to a higher one, akin to 'swimming upstream.' Consequently, our Avodah, or spiritual, mental, and emotional work during Tishrei, involves striving upward toward our Creator, fostering the momentum necessary to elevate ourselves throughout the coming year.
Sense of the Month
According to Sefer Yetzirah, the sense associated with Tishrei is intimacy between partners, and more broadly, it relates to the sense of touch. Tishrei, being the focal point of the year, leaves a lasting impression throughout the entire year. One significant quality that it imparts is a 'sense of intimacy with the Divine.' Throughout this month, the progression of this sense evolves from commitment to engagement, then to wedding festivities, and ultimately to a form of intimacy and 'touch' with HaKadosh Baruch Hu, so to speak. This journey represents an ascent from humanity below into the loving embrace and union with the Transcendent One above.
In preparation for a profound and meaningful connection with Hashem, we must first navigate the month of Elul, during which we foster a state of spiritual 'purity.' The journey toward intimacy begins with Rosh Hashanah and reaches its peak on the final day of Sukkos. Rosh Hashanah serves as an engagement ceremony, where we, the bride, formally commit to our Divine Fiancé. On Yom Kippur, we passionately express from the depths of our hearts and souls, "I love You, Hashem! I long to be with You and to feel Your presence in every moment!" Then, we come together in marriage.
Sign of the Month
Libra, symbolized by the scales, is the astrological sign for this month. Tishrei sits between the warmth of summer and the chill of winter, as well as between the dry and wet seasons, making it the month of balance or scales. In a personal and experiential sense, the concept of balancing scales relates closely to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, moments when our past actions are assessed, ideally to highlight our virtuous deeds. If our actions fall short, we are granted the chance, through Teshuvah, prayer, and acts of charity, to counteract any negative consequences from the past and embark on a new, refreshing year. Teshuvah involves reflecting on our lives and determining our priorities, ensuring they are rebalanced and adjusted as necessary.
Individuals born in Tishrei are naturally drawn to intellectual pursuits and possess a deep desire to learn and comprehend the world around them. This thirst for knowledge often leads Libras to explore a variety of interests, which can make decision-making challenging. Tishrei presents us all with a chance for Tikkun, urging us to evaluate every aspect of our lives, make decisive choices, and realign our priorities.
Shevet of the Month
The shevet for this month is Ephraim, a name derived from the Hebrew root meaning "fruitful." Yosef, the son of Yaakov, was split into two tribes: Ephraim and Menasheh. Despite being sold into slavery and living in exile in Egypt, far from his family, Yosef still experienced Hashem’s blessings of fruitfulness, including the gift of healthy children, even in the midst of his hardships.
The letter of this month is Lamed, which represents both "Limud" (learning) and "Lameid" (teaching). Our sages teach that one who shares Torah with others is deserving of blessings, just as Yosef was, including fruitfulness and children. Teaching Torah brings an abundance of blessings, even in difficult times.
On Rosh Hashanah, the first day of Tishrei, we say the phrase HaYom Haras Olam, meaning "Today the world becomes pregnant." This represents the new potential and possibilities for the coming year. In Tishrei, we 'conceive' a fruitful new year, gathering blessings on Rosh Hashanah and throughout the month that will manifest as the year unfolds.
During Tishrei, the focus is on cultivating positivity and moving forward, rather than dwelling on past negativity. The goal is to live in the present, working toward a brighter and more prosperous future. By being mindful and actively pursuing growth, we lay the groundwork for the blessings that will sustain us throughout the year.
Body Part
The body part linked to Tishrei is the gallbladder. Located just below the liver, this organ stores bile, a bitter fluid that ranges from dark green to yellowish-brown, produced by the liver to assist in digestion. When fatty food enters the digestive system, the gallbladder releases bile to facilitate its breakdown.
The term "Marah," meaning 'bitter,' relates to ancient concepts of the four bodily humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Health depends on balancing these humors, influencing both physical and emotional well-being. Physical health impacts emotions, and vice versa; fatigue can lead to feelings of depression. Maintaining balance in emotional and mental health positively affects physical well-being.
An excess of black bile leads to melancholy and lethargy, with the term 'melancholy' derived from the Greek for black bile. In contrast, proper levels of white bile promote joy and spirited behavior. The gallbladder is associated with yellow or green bile, linked to cravings and obsessive behavior; excess can result in impulsive or domineering actions. It's essential to maintain behavioral balance throughout the year, and engaging in practices during Tishrei, the month of Libra, can help achieve this balance.
Sefer Yetzirah indicates a connection between the gallbladder and coition. This serves as a reminder to maintain a 'Libra' or balanced perspective in intimate relationships, steering clear of any impulsive, controlling, or unhealthy behaviors. This, too, is an aspect of the Tikkun of Tishrei.
Holiday of the Month
ROSH HASHANAH
Rosh Hashanah, the day of judgment, is crucial for determining the year's quality, influencing both spiritual and material blessings. The first day brings potential spiritual blessings, while the second day brings material ones. As the "Head of the Year," it serves as the source of vitality and consciousness for the entire year, highlighting its significance in shaping our experiences.
YOM KIPPUR
Yom Kippur serves as the essence of Teshuvah and forgiveness, marking the peak of the Ten Days of Teshuvah. This period emphasizes seeking closeness to Hashem, with Yom Kippur representing the singularity and oneness of the year. The cyclical nature of time reflects life's ups and downs, but at the core lies the unchanging essence of oneness. Yom Kippur is a day of renewal, offering a clean slate and a space for forgiveness and balance. It symbolizes a new beginning, allowing individuals to return to their true selves and homes, even being referred to as a "new year" for certain Torah laws.
SUKKOS
Sukkos signifies the transition from the end of one year to the beginning of another, as noted in the Torah. It represents the culmination of the holiday season starting from Rosh Hashanah, which occurs when the moon is hidden, symbolizing inner spiritual work. In contrast, Yom Kippur is also an introspective holiday, celebrated in reflective spaces like synagogues. Sukkos, however, takes place during a full moon, celebrated outdoors, showcasing joy and celebration. It reveals the inner achievements from the previous holidays, emphasizing joy, as the Torah instructs to rejoice during Sukkos, which is referred to as "the Season of our Simchah."
Gemstone
The unique characteristic of Onyx, שוהם, is that those who possess it are perceived favorably by others. By rearranging its letters, it reveals the word "Hashem," reminiscent of how Yosef was guided and shielded by Hashem during his challenging journey. Yosef, According to Rabbenu Bachya, this gem has the power to make the wearer appear attractive to others, ensuring success and influence over listeners. Midrash Talpiot suggests that the shoham gem enhances memory, soothes the heart, brightens the eyes, treats digestive issues, fosters a love for studying Torah and acquiring wisdom. It is also believed to cure leprosy, ward off evil spirits, promote wealth, and possessions. Apart from its role in the choshen, the shoham gem was also placed on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.
