Shvat // שְׁבָט
About Shvat
Shvat is the 5th month of the civil year. It follows Tevet and precedes Adar. It is a month of 30 days. Shevat usually occurs in January–February on the Gregorian calendar.
The name of the month was taken from the Akkadian language during the Babylonian Captivity. The assumed Akkadian origin of the month is Šabātu meaning strike that refers to the heavy rains of the season. In Biblical sources, the month is first mentioned by this name in the book of prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 1:7).
In Israel almond trees begin to blossom in Shevat. Because they are the first to bloom each Shevat and the nut resembles an eye, an almond tree is called shaked (watcher). Almond trees are said to “keep watch” for spring.
Holidays in Shvat
Shvat History
The Time of the Torah
Moses repeats the Torah (Deuteronomy 1:3)
circa 134 BCE
Antiochus V abandoned his siege of Jerusalem. This day was observed as a holiday in Hasmonean times.
circa 157 BCE
Zechariah's prophecy (Zechariah 1:7–16)
1951
the Lubavitcher Rebbe formally accepts the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement by reciting the discourse "Bati Legani".
Shvat Zodiac
The mazal (constellation) for Shvat is the bucket of water, or Aquarius. Miriam (Moses and Aaron’s older sister) was also associated with a vessel of water. Legend teaches that because of her righteousness, Miriam was followed by a mysterious well that sustained the Israelites during the years of the desert wandering. The well, filled with the waters of Creation, is still with us today.