We are now in the Hebrew month of Tammuz, which oddly enough, was the name of a Babylonian idol! Why would our Rabbis choose such a seemingly inappropriate name for a month on the Jewish calendar?
The literal translation of the word Tammuz is “heat,” which alludes to the intense heat of the sun at this time of year. The Book of Psalms explains that the heat of the sun is used as a metaphor for G-d’s power. G-d’s strength expresses itself in two ways, creating positive energy and destroying negative forces. By using the name Tammuz, our Sages emphasized the infinite power of the Divine. In the same way the idol Tammuz was destroyed by G-d’s wrath, all negativity encountered by G-d will be mocked and ultimately destroyed. G-d is always in control.
Moreover, in Chasidic terminology, the revelation of the Tetragrammaton – the unpronounceable four-letter Name that alludes to G-d as He transcends the natural order – is strongest at this time of year. The name Tammuz thus emphasizes this deeper dimension of G-dliness.
The numerical value of the Hebrew word Tammuz is 453, which is the same as “tagein” meaning “a protection or shield.” This refers to G-d’s protection of the Jewish people from the dangers posed by our adversaries. G-d protects and nurtures us even during our darkest moments. And when the letters of “tagein” are rearranged, the word “ginat” is formed, meaning “a garden.” This image is a metaphor for the love and pleasure G-d derives from the Jewish people. In the same way a gardener stands in loving admiration of the rose’s beauty despite the thorns on the rosebush, so too does G-d forgive His people for all their transgressions, for His love for us is constant and unwavering.