Shovavim

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.

Practices

Shovavim is a season when the kabbalists teach that it is auspicious to repent for sins ("mischief"), especially for sexually-related transgressions. A comprehensive Kuntres dedicated to the spiritual work of Shovavim (By Rav Zerach Eidlitz 1725-1780) called 'Or LaYishraim' was recently redone (available at shovavim.com). With addition from later Torah greats as to the proper path one should take for the Teshuva process.

During these weeks, it is customary to be more careful not to violate any of the sexually-related transgressions commanded in the Torah. Some have the customs of studying laws relating to such transgressions, fasting and giving extra tzedakah (charity) during this time, and of reciting Selichos and other tikkunim (Kabbalistic prayers or meditations) designed to counteract their harmful effects. On the Shabbatot (Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath) when these weekly portions of the Torah are read, some take upon themselves to refrain from speaking, except words of prayer and Torah. This type of fast is called a ta'anit dibbur (תענית דבור‎).

The origin to these customs is based on Jewish Kabbalistic teachings and therefore Sephardic and Hassidic Jews are more likely to follow them than their Ashkenazic counterparts.

Fasting

During the Shovavim period, some Jewish individuals have the custom to fast every Monday and Thursday from dawn until dusk. One custom is to fast only the first Monday and Thursday and the second Monday ("bet he bet").[3] Some fast on Friday (the eve of Shabbat) until the afternoon.

Prayer

There are extra prayers added called "Tikkun Shovavim" during these weeks. Some have the custom of praying more prayers and reading extra Psalms during this period.[4]

Ta'anit Dibbur

A special type of fast called a ta'anit dibbur is observed by some during the Shovavim period. This does not involve refraining from eating and drinking, but from speaking. During the entire day (usually Shabbat, when regular fasting is prohibited), between sunrise and dusk, one refrains from superfluous speech. Speaking words of prayer and Torah is permitted. Some Jewish congregations gather on the Shabbat when these speech fasts are held, to read the entire book of Psalms three times (a total of 450 psalms). At an average pace, this reading can take up to ten hours. This is usually accomplished between the Shabbat morning meal and the afternoon prayer.[5]

References
  1. "The fault in our moon". Cleveland Jewish News. February 15, 2019.
  2. "Listening to the Bas Kol". Hamodia. October 6, 2016.
  3. Nehar Mitzrayim Hilkhot Ta'anit para. 2.
  4. Ginsburgh, Rabbi Yitzchak. הזמן הפנימי (in Hebrew) (First ed.). Gal Einai Publications. p. 148. ISBN 978-965-7146-90-3. במקומות רבים עדיין מציינים היום את ימי השובבים, ונוהגים להרבות בתפלה בימים אלו, ובפרט באמירת מזמורי תהלים (שכחם יפה בכל עת).
  5. "shovavim.pdf" (PDF). Kosher Torah. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
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