by Teresa Quiroz, on behalf of Women of Holy Blossom
Iyar is the second month on the Jewish calendar counting from Nissan also called “The Month of Light” (Chodesh Ziv) because the trees are bright with blossoms. The name of Iyar is also an acronym for the initials of Abraham, Isaac, Yakow, and Rachel.
Shortly after the Exodus, the thirsty Israelites reached a well of bitter water. Moses cast a stick into the water and it miraculously became sweet. G/d then promised that if Israel followed His ways, “the diseases I have placed on Egypt I will not place upon you, for I am G/d your Healer (רפאךייאני).” The acronym for this last phrase spells out the name of the month of Iyar (אייר), thus indicating that Iyar is a propitious time for healing.
The entire month of Iyar is Holy because it is a mitzvah to count the 49 days of the Omer—between Passover and Shavuot. The Omer is a period of introspection and self-refinement, as we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah on Shavuot. The 33rd day of the Omer on May 9th is known as Lag B’Omer, a mini-holiday and in Israel it is celebrated with outings, bonfires and other joyous festivities; including marriages.
The Tribe of the month is: Issachar which is a tribe of great scholars, studious preparing to receive the Torah in Shavuot. The Limb of the month: Right Kidney which represents in Kabalistic terms Netzach which means victory, endurance to hone our animal soul.
The letter of the Month: ו Vav, you will notice that the letter is in the shape of a hook that connects the first month of Nisan to the second month of Iyar. It is like the word “and” in English.
In every Rosh Chodesh, we receive new vitality, new energy, we start anew therefore the letters of the full name of G/d are in different order. The permutation for the month of Iyar is: יההו
But only in this should one glory: In his earnest devotion to Me.
For I the LORD act with kindness, Justice, and equity in the world;
for in these I delight
—declares the LORD. (Jeremiah, chapter 9, v23)
The zodiac sign for the month is Taurus –The Bull, which in Jewish mysticism symbolizes our animal soul which like the Bull is unruly but could be productive if it is harnessed. Chassidic thought understands that the negative tendencies of our animal soul stem from an amorphous koach hamit’aveh, “a force that desires”. Without a harness, the “desirous force” will lean toward self-gratification, but with a yoke, the animal soul can be abundantly productive. Therefore, our mission in Iyar is to tame the animal soul within us through prayer, meditation, and service to G/d. Each night, after we’ve counted the Omer, we say a little prayer wherein we ask G/d to rectify a small part of our animal soul.
The 14th day of Iyar, we celebrate Pesach Sheni, “the second Passover” and is an opportunity to make up for one’s past mistakes. Pesach Sheni reminds us that it’s never too late and with sincere effort, yesterday’s missed opportunity can become today’s achievement!
Ken YehiRatzon.
Shacharit Service: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 7:30 am ET, in-person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
password: 667580
For upcoming dates and why Rosh Chodesh is special for women see https://holyblossom.org/rosh-chodesh/
Zodiac sign: Aries, Attribute of the month: Speech, Letter: ה
The month of Nissan is referred to as Chodesh ha-aviv (month of spring). It is considered the first month of the Jewish calendar, the spiritual Rosh ha-shana and the month of Tishrei, which is considered the first month of the physical world. The month of Nissan is inspiring, and uplifting when nature and every living soul wakes up from hibernation. It signals renewal and hope. It is the month of double miracles as Nissan has two Nun letters (נ for Nes).
These are the miracles that G/d did to redeem us from slavery in Egypt.
The spiritual birthday of the world is in Nissan, Head of the Months, [ניסן]
Nissan in the Gematria equals two times [פה] mouth [(50+10+60+50)=170 = Nissan; 80+5= [פה] Peh ([פה] x 2 = 85×2 =170. The connection to the letter is “speech”, as we are to retell the story of Exodus from Egypt through the Haggadah. We celebrate the eight-day holiday from the 15 to the 22nd of Nissan (April 22-30) and following the rituals we experience the true spiritual freedom when after 210 years of being slaves G/d took us out of Egypt and we became superhuman and appreciated the power of nature reaching its zenith in the spring. It is through Pesach that we became a nation of priests (Am-Kohanim) therefore we became subjects of our King, G/d.
The limb of the month is the “right foot” because we have to make a quantum leap with the right foot, to start a transformation for 49 days from Pesach to Shavuot. Yehuda is the tribe of the month of Nissan as he is the King of the 12 tribes.
The permutation of this month is the four letters of G/d in the correct position יהוה as it is the first month of the year and this permutation can
be found in the book Psalms 96:11: “יִשְׂמְחוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְתָגֵל הָאָרֶץ,” “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.” This verse reveals the energy of the month that brings joy and happiness in heaven and on earth.
In the interest of Rosh Chodesh, each month is a new beginning, each month brings new energy and we are revitalized. Chodesh in the Gematria equals 312 and the word G/d יהוה equals (10+5+6+5) 26 if we multiply 26 by 12 months of the year it equals 312, it signifies that G/d is with us every month. During the month of Nissan we must rejoice together, Heaven and Earth, the spiritual from G/d and the physical from Man and it reflects it in our wishes for each other “Chag Pesach kasher v’sameach” Kosher for the sake of heaven, and Sameach for our sake.
We must step into this month with the ‘Right’ foot, some people believe, we should be positive and act with Chessed during the first 12 days of the month and beyond as we then ‘plant’ positive roots for the entire year and renewal of our lives. Furthermore, living under the current anxious situation, I feel certain optimism that this month we could turn grief into joy and sorrow and pain into hope. Ken Yehi Ratzon!
by Teresa Quiroz, on behalf of Women of Holy Blossom Temple
Shacharit Service: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 7:30 am ET, in-person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
password: 667580
For upcoming dates and why Rosh Chodesh is special for women see https://holyblossom.org/rosh-chodesh/
Shevat is the 11th month on the Jewish calendar counting from Nissan. The zodiac sign is Aquarius and its symbol the “waterbearer” makes us reflect on the Biblical verse, “Water will flow from his wells” because it alludes figuratively speaking as the ability in each one of us ‘to pour’ knowledge and inspire/lead others, just as a Tzadik would in order to bring them closer to G/d. Shevat is a special acrostic for “we should hear good news’ it’s a month of good news, Shenishma Besurot Tovot, that we should be blessed to share good tidings.
The notorious celebration during this month is the holiday of Tu B’Shvat on the 15 Shevat (January 25) which is the “New Year for Trees.” In Israel, it is the start of a new growing season and the day that is marked by eating fruits, particularly those from the “Seven Kinds” with which Israel is blessed with wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. We reflect on the metaphor “Man is a tree of the field.” Just as the Torah is considered a Tree of Life we notice that both, Torah and Mankind, possess the same components; roots, trunk, branches and fruit.
There are two tribes on this month. The tribe of Asher and his name means pleasure and happiness. The special tree that Asher personifies is the olive tree, which gives the goodly oil with which Asher’s portion in the land of Israel was blessed with. The Tribe of Joseph is connected to Asher’s because it was Asher’s daughter who gave the news to Jacob that Joseph was alive.
The letter: Tzade צ (resembles a tree). Interestingly, the letter of the previous month, Tevet, is ayin (ע), which means “an eye” and when the ayin of Tevet is lifted up to connect with the tzadik of Shevat, the word “tree” (עֵץ) is formed.
The limb is the stomach and the attribute is Taste, which figuratively through the stomach we digest and derive pleasure by internalizing the words of Torah.
The permutation of the month is: Hey, Yud, Vav Hei, found in the pasuk; Vaykra 27 verse 33
לֹ֧א יְבַקֵּ֛ר בֵּֽין־ט֥וֹב לָרַ֖ע וְלֹ֣א יְמִירֶ֑נּוּ וְאִם־הָמֵ֣ר יְמִירֶ֔נּוּ וְהָֽיָה־ה֧וּא וּתְמוּרָת֛וֹ יִֽהְיֶה־קֹּ֖דֶשׁ לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵֽל׃
“If you offer a substitute” In the end, both are holy. Meaning that it is our duty to always improve in what we offer.
The Midrash explains that Moses spent the last month of his life, the month of Shevat translating the entire Torah into the 70 major languages then spoken. This is a fundamental lesson as every Jew has a connection to the Torah, even one who cannot read it in its original tongue.
Under the current circumstances, we hang on to the ‘good news month’ and hope that the future will be filled with joy, blessings of abundance in our lives, of new life, goodness and kindness improving in each and every one of us. Ken Yehi Ratzon.
by Teresa Quiroz, on behalf of Women of Holy Blossom
Shacharit Service: Thursday, January 11, 2024, 7:30 am ET, in-person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
Password: 667580
For other upcoming dates and why Rosh Chodesh is special for women see https://holyblossom.org/rosh-chodesh/
Women of Holy Blossom (WHB) invites those who identify as female and are 30-50 years of age to this unique literary discussion group. More free-flowing than a book club, less spiritual than a Rosh Chodesh group, and more informal than a lecture, Lilith Salons feature lively conversation in a safe and relaxed setting, with folks like you and unlike you. Thoughts, opinions, and vents of all kinds are welcomed.
With facilitator Sharon Neiss Arbess, author and Holy Blossom Board member, we will review a selection of articles from the most recent issue of Lilith Magazine, an independent, Jewish-American, and “frankly feminist” publication.
Participants will subscribe to Lilith Magazine, at this link, and commit to attending four in-person salons, between March and December of 2024. The day, time, and location will be determined by the group. This cohort’s capacity is limited, on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, don’t delay in registering at this link.
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Tevet is the 10th month on the Jewish calendar, counting from Nisan. The number 10 is considered a holy number. Tevet is mentioned in the book of Esther and was acquired in Babylonia and shares a root with the Hebrew word tov, meaning “good”. A month that is good and a month that is holy.
The zodiac symbol is Capricorn, the goat (gedi). We find in the story of Rivka, where Jacob was sent to get “two good goats” for his father. Why two? It hints as the blessings he would receive would be good for him and also for his children (future generation). The limb of the month is the Liver (snake). In Kabbalah, there are three “rulers” of the body and soul, the brain, the heart, and the liver, which correspond respectively to Adam, Eve, and the snake. The Tribe of the Month is Dan, which was the last tribe at the end of the queue when the tribes were wandering in the desert. Their job was to return lost items from the previous tribes and therefore they were doing good acts of kindness by finding and returning lost items.
The letter of the month is Ayin (ע) which means “Eye” or “to See” someone who is wise to see that G/d is in everything and everywhere.
The permutation for the month: is וּהיה and this can be found in the pasuk in Psalms 34- 4
גַּדְּל֣וּ לַֽיהֹוָ֣ה אִתִּ֑י וּנְרֽוֹמְמָ֖ה שְׁמ֣וֹ יַחְדָּֽו:
(Declare the greatness of the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together).
The word אתי(with me) which equals 411, How? א=1ת=400י=10
The word טבת also equals 411, How?ט=9ב=2ת=400
Both words above in the Gematria add up to 411 which means it is the month of “good”. This brings us to the significant meaning of “The body derives pleasure from the body”. We are encouraged to perform acts of kindness, and goodness/mitzvoth during this month as the simple act of giving and receiving are gratifying to both the receiver and the donor. Much-needed help is requested now more than ever.
Please donate (tzedakah) to help make this world a better world.
During this month the siege of Jerusalem happened “On the 10th day, on the 10th of the month Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylonia, came against Jerusalem and encamped against it”.
Tevet begins with the last days of Chanukah internalizing the message of the ever-increasing lights of our candles, the light reminding us of the power of good over evil—we can reveal the good that is hidden in our lives and the world around us. May the Chanukah lights illuminate and radiate joy, health and contentment over you and your loved ones. Ken Yehi Ratzon.
by Teresa Quiroz, on behalf of Women of Holy Blossom
Shacharit Service: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, ET, in-person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
Password: 667580
For other upcoming dates and why Rosh Chodesh is special for women see https://holyblossom.org/rosh-chodesh/
By Gillian Rosenberg, Communications Coordinator, Women of Holy Blossom
November 2023
As many of you know, Women of Holy Blossom has several social media accounts, including Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube. We are proud to be content producers and content consumers. And for the most part, it has been worthwhile, gratifying, and fun.
But this is a very difficult time to be on social media. I don’t need to tell you why. I’m sure many of you have decided to take a break or been given such advice.
WHB considered doing that, as well. But after some soul searching, we decided to remain active, for two very Jewish reasons.
The first is to bear witness.
In the Torah, the verse of the Shema, Judaism’s central declaration and call to listen, to turn our clear attention to Divine unity, has two letters that are enlarged – the ע in the word שמע/listen and the ד in the word אחד /One. These two letters spell עד /witness. It is a sacred obligation to listen, to bear witness, not to look away, and from the act of bearing witness, to respond.
–Rabbi Miriam Margles, Danforth Jewish Circle, Toronto, March 1, 2022
Our presence on social media enables us to observe not only what is posted about the Jewish people and about Israel, but also who is doing the posting. We hold accountable those who post misinformation, disinformation, half-truths, lies, hatred, hyperbole, and propaganda, by reporting individual posts and entire accounts to the platform administrators, under categories of hate speech or symbols, false information, and/or violent and hateful entities.
We are also able to acknowledge our allies, Jewish and non-Jewish, who are courageous and outspoken with facts, knowledge, reason, and truth. Two, in particular, are Loay Alshareef (@lalshareef) and Noa Tishby (@noatishby). Loay is a Muslim, living in Abu Dhabi. Long before this war began, he has been promoting peace between Jews and Muslims through the lens of common language and shared history. Since the war, he has been unwavering in his support for Israel and the Jews. Noa is well known to us as an Israeli model, actress, special envoy, and best-selling author. Now in Los Angeles, she has emerged as a global voice for our people—articulate, knowledgeable, and composed. And we are proud to say that she recently “liked” one of WHB’s Instagram posts. There are many others who we also support by following and whose posts we “like” and repost.
The second reason we remain active on social media is to be a light unto the nations.
We understand our Jewish mission to include being a light unto the nations, which obliges us to contribute to humanity’s appreciation for holiness, morality and piety.
–Between Jerusalem & Rome, by Rabbinical Council of America, Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbinate of Israel, 2017
Abandoning social media to those who are hateful, irrational, ignorant, naïve, mean-spirited, and immoral would be to shirk our responsibility in this world. Instead, we strive to be a source of gemilut chasadim, justice, and goodness, posting and reposting content that reflects the type of world we are commanded to work toward. Such posts include those about mitzvah days, allyship, life cycle celebrations, the arts, heroes of humanity, and love stories.
We also strive to be a light unto our own nation, representing the continuity and resilience of Jewish life and Jewish community. We promote events and activities, hype our upcoming holidays, and celebrate our legacy, as we move through the Jewish calendar.
While we are confident and steadfast in our decision to remain active on social media, it comes at some psychological risk. Doom scrolling is addictive. The extent of Jew-hatred, terrifying. The erasing of Israel’s contributions to the world, depressing. And being deserted by individuals and groups to which we were an ally, disheartening.
But Women of Holy Blossom has broad shoulders and gains strength from the thousands of shoulders on which we stand. We will do our part. Email us if you want to help.
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
The month of Kislev is the 3rd month counting from Tishrei (fall) and the 9th month counting from Nissan (spring). Kislev is a two-part word כס (Kas) which means ‘lid’ and it is interpreted as “to cover or conceal” and לו “Lo” which in the Gematria, both letters lamed (30)-vav (6) add to 36. These are the total number of Chanukah candles (not counting the Shamash).
Did you know? That Kislev is associated with the letter samech? ס which means “support”. The letter samech,ס is similar to a circle, which has no end and it is infinite, a circle of continuity. Therefore, during the month of Kislev, we are uplifted as the circle also implies giving support to those who have fallen or sick either physically or spiritually.
The attribute of the month is “Sleep”. Why? Because through our sleep we are able to connect with the source of all energy and soul (Ain Sof) the infinite light of G/d is represented with the letter Samech סand our soul is revived through our sleep. The tribe of the month is Benjamin and the limb is the womb. The permutation is from Bereshit (50-11):
וַיַּ֡רְא יוֹשֵׁב֩ הָאָ֨רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֜י
And when the Canaanites saw.
Rashi asks; what did the Canaanites see?
The Midrash says, the crown of Joseph on Yakov’s coffin
In Kislev we celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, beginning on the evening preceding 25 Kislev (December 7) and ends 8 days later, which means Kislev departs as the Chanukah lights spread their ever-increasing brightness in the winter dusk. Did you know? there is a relationship between women to the story of Chanukah through the story of Judith as she is the reason why women are permitted to light the Chanukah candles. Judith was the heroine who saved the Jewish people by killing Holofernes, the mighty Syrian-Greek General.
May Kislev help us all to remove the Kas and become more enlightened, courageous and united amid our current adversity.
On behalf of Women of Holy Blossom and myself, I wish you peace, joy and health this coming holiday season. כן יהי רצון
Teresa Quiroz
Shacharit Service: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 7:30 am ET, in-person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93902401402?pwd=dGlOR2dEcGs1RVc0OVFwdkFtOVo5UT09
Password: 667580
For other upcoming dates and why Rosh Chodesh is special for women see https://holyblossom.org/rosh-chodesh/
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Founded in 1856, Holy Blossom Temple is Toronto’s first synagogue with a rich history of tradition and modernity in our religious and spiritual expression.