Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan: Bitter or Sweet?

Story Time

Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan marks the beginning of a very special month! It is the eighth month counting from Nissan, and the number eight represents something beyond nature.

But what makes this month so special? There are no Jewish holidays in Cheshvan. Not even one!

That's exactly what makes it so special! Our mission this month is to become guardians of the light. All the holiness, prayers, and inspiration we experienced during the holidays were meant to give us strength for the months ahead — Cheshvan, Kislev, Tevet, and throughout the entire year, in our everyday routines. Now it's our job to preserve that light and not let it fade away! In fact, the letters of Marcheshvan can be rearranged to spell "שומר חן" (Shomer Chen)— “guarding grace,” reminding us to hold on to the spiritual light we received during the holidays.

The holy Bnei Yissaschar shares a beautiful Midrash about this month.

When Shlomo Hamelech finished building the First Beit Hamikdash in Cheshvan, Hashem told him to wait another eleven months, until Tishrei, before inaugurating it.

Cheshvan was so disappointed! Why did all the other months get special holidays and celebrations, while Cheshvan was left with nothing?

But Hashem didn't forget Cheshvan! He made an incredible promise: The Third Beit Hamikdash would be built and inaugurated during Cheshvan, B"H!

And here comes the beautiful lesson for us!

Hashem is teaching us that specifically because this month seems to be missing something, and specifically because we may feel that something is missing in our own lives, this is a special time to turn to Him and pray! Through the power of our prayers, Hashem can bring us the salvation we need!

And there's more!

The Kabbalists connect the name Marcheshvan to the words "שפתיו מרחשות תפילה" — “His lips whisper a prayer.”

Cheshvan's zodiac sign is Akrav (Scorpio), which has the same gematria as Mashiach David. The word Mashiach is also connected to masiach, meaning “to speak.”

Do you see the message? Use your voice! Speak to Hashem!

Ask Him for everything you need. For health, for livelihood, for a marriage partner, for children, or for anything that is missing in your life. Speak from your heart, in your own words. Nothing is too big or too small to ask for!

So don't let these precious 48 hours pass you by! Take this opportunity, open your heart, and pray. Hashem is listening!

Must Do

1. Say Ya'aleh Veyavo

Add Ya'aleh Veyavo (יעלה ויבוא) on Rosh Chodesh in:

Shemoneh Esrei: in Maariv, Shacharit, and Minchah.

Birkat Hamazon

Good To Do

1. Light a Candle

Light a candle in honor of Rosh Chodesh.

2. Have a Special Rosh Chodesh Meal

Have at least one special bread meal during the two days of Rosh Chodesh.

It can be lunch, dinner, or even a sandwich! Wash your hands, recite Hamotzi, and say Birkat Hamazon afterward, including Ya'aleh Veyavo.

3. Recite 15 Chapters of Tehillim

Recite the 15 Shir Hama'alot chapters of Tehillim (Psalms 120–134). You can say them during your Rosh Chodesh meal.

4. Pray for Your Personal Yeshuot

Throughout Rosh Chodesh, ask Hashem for whatever you need, whether children, a marriage partner, livelihood, health, or any other personal need.

Take this opportunity to pray sincerely for everything you need and want!

You can say:

“Master of the Universe, just as You promised to transform Marcheshvan from Mar (bitter) to Ram (elevated), please transform the difficulties in my life into blessings. Redeem me from my suffering and fill whatever is missing in my life, with kindness and mercy.”

5. Remember Your Ne'ilah Prayer

The Kabbalists teach a beautiful segulah: remembering even one small moment from your Ne'ilah prayer from Yom Kippur throughout the year can bring tremendous yeshuot (salvations).

Whenever you feel exhausted, discouraged, or in need of help, close your eyes and recall that special moment of prayer.  

6. Preserve the Light of the Holidays

The inspiration of Tishrei wasn't meant to disappear when the holidays ended!

Make an effort to preserve that light through prayer, beautiful memories, and spiritual growth. Carry the holiness of the holidays into your everyday routine and throughout the year.

May this Marcheshvan bring blessings, health, parnassah, and all the yeshuot we need. And may we merit the coming of Mashiach ben David and the rebuilding of the Third Beit Hamikdash, speedily in our days!

7. Recite This Special Prayer for the New Month

As we welcome the new month of Cheshvan, take a moment to recite this beautiful prayer. Ask Hashem to bless the month ahead with peace, health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

תפילה לראש חודש חשוון

יהי רצון מלפניך ה' אלוהינו ואלוהי אבותינו, שתחדש עלינו את החודש הזה לטובה ולברכה, ותתן לנו חיים ארוכים, חיים של שלום.

חיים של טובה, חיים של ברכה, חיים של פרנסה, חיים של חילוץ עצמות.

חיים שיש בהם יראת שמים ויראת חטא, חיים שאין בהם בושה וכלימה.

חיים של עושר וכבוד, חיים שתהא בנו אהבת תורה ויראת שמים.

חיים שימלא ה' משאלות לבנו לטובה.

אמן סלה.

Chodesh Tov U'Mevorach!

Based on the teachings of Rabbi Raphael Avitan & Rebbetzin Chagit Shira.