It seems that we are in quite a boring month at the moment. Last month we had so many festivals (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah) with rituals, special prayers and exciting customs, and this month -  nothing. Just boring day to day life. Why is the Jewish calendar set up like that?

 

A: You’re right. This month is uninspiring. But that’s the point.

 

Think of it like a baby who is learning to walk. When they are first born the baby is pushed or carried and doesn’t have to do anything. But then it’s time to grow up so the parents let go of their hand and the baby stumbles, falls but eventually learns to walk on its own.

 

Last month, G-d carried us. There was so much inspiration being showered down from above. This month  Hashem lets go and says “now you learn how to walk on your own.” Only now can we spiritually grow up and serve G-d even when no one is pushing me to. During this month of Cheshvan we spiritually mature to the point that we don’t need any spectacular event to inspire us.

 

But don’t worry, like the parent Hashem is always right there behind us to catch us in case we fall.

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