Rosh Chodesh Kislev: A new month bringing Light, Renewal, and Support
As winter settles in, Rosh Chodesh Kislev arrives as a beacon of warmth and deep spiritual introspection. Kislev is the third month from Tishrei (Rosh Hashanah) and the ninth from Nissan. Deeply embedded within the Hebrew structure of its name lies a rich tapestry of mystical meaning. Kislev can be understood as a two-part word: כס (Kas), which literally translates to “lid” or “cover,” pointing toward concealment and protection; and לו (Lo). According to Gematria, the combined numerical value of the letters Lamed (30) and Vav (6) equals 36—the exact total number of Chanukah candles we kindle throughout the holiday, excluding the helper candle, the Shamash. Under the celestial sign of Sagittarius, the month invites us to aim high and pierce through darkness.
Spiriting us through Kislev is the Hebrew letter Samech (ס), a root word meaning “to support” or “to lean upon.” Shaped like a complete, unbroken circle, the Samech symbolizes infinite continuity, wholeness, and an endless circle of divine shelter. It uplifts us in times of vulnerability, reminding us of our duty to support those who have fallen, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In moments of uncertainty, the Samech surrounds us with strength and reassures us that something far greater than ourselves holds us.
According to Kabbalistic tradition, the spiritual attribute governing Kislev is “Sleep.” Rather than mere physical rest, sleep during Kislev represents a sacred portal through which our souls relinquish daily burdens to reconnect directly with the Ein Sof—the infinite, unbounded light of the Divine. As nature grows quiet and the days shorten, rest restores our spirit, drawing fresh vitality and clarity from the concealed spiritual realms.
Kislev’s luminosity peaks on the eve of the 25th of the month with the celebration of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Spanning eight days into the following month, Chanukah transforms the deepening winter dusk with the menorah’s ever-increasing brilliance. Each flame lit on cold evenings declares that light will always overcome obscurity, and that small acts of faith can spark grand miracles.
Central to the miracle of Chanukah is the heroism of women, commemorated through the legacy of Judith (Yehudit), the daughter of Yohanan the High Priest. When her community faced existential peril, Judith demonstrated extraordinary bravery and cunning by defeating Holofernes, the formidable Syrian-Greek general. Her courageous action turned the tide of history and saved her people. In honour of her pivotal role, Jewish tradition gives women a special connection to the holiday, placing them at the center of the commandment and joy of lighting the Chanukah candles.
May the holy month of Kislev inspire us to lift the Kas (the lid of concealment), unlocking our spiritual potential and deepening our compassion. Through the light of Chanukah and the supportive embrace of the Samech, may we become more enlightened, courageous, and united. Ken Yehi Ratzon—May it be His will.
Join us in sacred worship on Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 am
The Women of Valour Series is generously sponsored by Robert Lantos in memory of his mother, Agnes Lantos z”l
A Woman of Valour – Etienne Kaplan
by Linda Neufeld
Etienne’s journey is defined by tradition, lifelong learning, prayer and ritual, acts of loving kindness with a strong connection to Israel and an incredible commitment to our Temple community. Early in her adulthood, she proved her determination by earning her Bachelor’s degree while raising three young children at home. Shortly afterwards, around the time of the Six-Day War, she joined her local chapter of the Johannesburg Women’s Zionist League in South Africa. She stepped into leadership, eventually serving as president of her chapter and launching a lifetime of community work.
In her professional life, Etienne was ahead of her time as a modern woman!
She landed a job at IBM in the medium-sized computers department and spent over 20 years specializing in early document imaging and paperless technology—pioneering the digital world long before most of us were even thinking about it.
Her path in Jewish life was equally intentional. In Johannesburg, where most families belonged to Orthodox shuls, Etienne chose to join a Reform temple. It was there that her three children celebrated their bar and bat mitzvahs. The Reform Temple instilled strong Jewish values that stayed with them and helped when her husband Aubrey and she made the major move to Canada.
When Etienne arrived in Toronto, she sought the very best congregation—Holy Blossom Temple. Going from a smaller shul in South Africa to a large congregation was a huge shift. But she quickly found her footing and her community through Women of Reform Judaism. She didn’t just join; -she stepped up. Etienne served as Recording Secretary and organized retreats; she ran vibrant fundraising initiatives such as raffles and musical events.
Over the years, Etienne has been the heart and hands of so many Temple traditions. Since 2013, she has brightened the Judaica Shop with her volunteer work. She sets her alarm for 5:00 AM to cook breakfast for the “Out of the Cold” program. She serves faithfully on the bimah as a gabbai and also brings joy to seniors through the “Dorot” Wisdom Generation Program. That’s not all. Etienne participates in the Bikkur Cholim program by making sure there are plenty of home-baked kugels to be delivered to congregants who are ill —congregants who need a little love! Etienne, together with Matilda Bigioז״ל, knitted baby sweaters which are presented at a baby naming service. Together they both knitted over 1,000 sweaters.
Etienne’s life is a beautiful tapestry of family, professional innovation, and tireless devotion to her community. She truly embodies what it means to be a Woman of Valour, and we are all richer for her wisdom, strength, and courage.
