Lea Odelia
The Israelite tribe associated with the month of Cheshvan is Menashe. What sets Menashe apart from the others?
From the very beginning, the Torah tells of rivalry between brothers, of disputes and jealousy. Cain and Abel, Ham against Japheth and Shem, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers... What about Menashe?
Although he is the firstborn, he receives his blessing second. The conversation about this takes place between Joseph and Jacob. Nothing is said about Menashe. He silently accepts his fate. And the same happens later on. For example, when the tribe of Menashe is in the camp under Ephraim’s leadership. Menashe’s innate humility points to his deep connection with Moshe, who, as we know, possessed this virtue.
Moshe’s name, unlike Menashe’s, lacks “nun”—the 50th level of understanding, which he receives only when he passes into the next world on Mount Nevo (“nun bo”). Yet he gives Menashe 2 land allotments (half the tribe on the eastern bank of the Jordan, half in the Land of Israel)...
Cheshvan seems to say: “Let the Creator lead you. Do not try to take someone else’s place, even if you think you deserve it. Do not chart the path yourself; allow the Creator to show it to you. Silently and humbly. Without jealousy or grandiosity. That is exactly how Menashe acted...”.
Besorot tovot!
(Based on a lecture by Rabbi Alon Anava)