Lea Odelia
The beginning of Shevat is a wonderful time to pray about everything to do with family!
Shevat is like “shevet”—a tribe (of Israel), a family, a clan. Besides, it is the month of fruit! So prayers for the birth of children, good family relationships, and finding one’s match are VERY welcome :)
Shevat is a new beginning—don’t miss it!
The “Pri Tzadik,” Rav Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin, zt”l, writes: for those who want to find their match, or are praying for someone close to them to find theirs, this is a time to pray for the very most “delayed” shidduchim.
And not just Rosh Chodesh itself, but this entire week as well.
The “Pri Tzadik” explains: Once upon a time, there were 7 sisters, daughters of Yitro, who were no longer young and were unmarried. No one wanted to marry them because their father had abandoned idolatry. Then Moshe appears, protects them from the shepherds, and helps them draw water. The daughters say to their father: “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He also drew water for us…”
The word “drew” (dalah) is repeated 2 times. In Hebrew, “ledalot” means to draw water and to rescue. This comes from the word “d’li”—the mazal of the month of Shevat (Aquarius).
Later, Yitro gives his daughter Tzipporah to Moshe in marriage. After her, the other sisters marry as well...
The “Pri Tzadik” explains that after the scarcity of winter (dalut—from the same root), Shevat arrives, a month of prosperity, growth, and good fortune (mazal comes from the word “linzol”—to flow). So be ready for pleasant surprises!
Wishing everyone a good and fruitful month!!!
Based on a lecture by Rabbi Mizrahi