Heshvan
9.9
A month in the Jewish calendar that usually falls in October and November
- noun
- /hɛʃvɑn/
:
Jeshván
- Ah, sholem aleykhem, it is so good to see you all here this twenty-seventh day of Heshvan.
Examples
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The Festival of Lights often falls shortly after the month of Heshvan.
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The Jewish community celebrates special events during the month of Heshvan.
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Many people observe fasting days in the month of Heshvan.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Heshvan is the Hebrew name for a month and comes from an old Mesopotamian word that meant 'eighth month', which explains why it is the eighth month of the religious year. A helpful way to remember it is the folk name Mar Cheshvan, which suggests 'bitter' because the month has no major festivals, and today Heshvan usually falls in October–November.
