Notes from Cantor Avima

The Hebrew month of Cheshvan begins Wednesday, Oct. 26 and you will hear the sigh of relief from Jewish professionals around the world. The actual name of the month is Marcheshvan. Some say the prefix "mar" which means "bitter" in Hebrew refers to the fact that no Jewish holidays occur during this month, so therefore it is bitter.   However, the true etymology is that the name Marcheshvan is actually Akkadian. The original meaning of the name is "eighth month", however a couple of letters switched positions over time leading to the prefix "mar" being interpreted as "bitter". In fact, this month is not at all bitter. If you listen carefully  when we celebrate Rosh Hodesh Cheshvan- you will hear the collective sighs of Jewish professionals everywhere who are eager to have a return to the quiet and productiveness of routine. So, "bitter" month or not, I am celebrating Cheshvan!!