We are now in the month of Marcheshvan, the name of which has many interesting interpretations. One meaning of the word “mar” is “bitter,” because this month, which has no holidays or festivals, lacks the sweetness that is derived from the holidays. Another translation of the word “mar” is “a drop [of water],” because Marcheshvan marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel. According to linguists, “Cheshvan” is etymologically related to “chashrat mayim,” meaning an abundance of water.
In Hebrew, however, “mar” also means “sir” or “master.” The Midrash relates that King Solomon finished building the First Holy Temple during the month of Marcheshvan, but it was not inaugurated for 11 months, until the following Tishrei. G-d rewarded the month of Marcheshvan by promising that the Third and Eternal Holy Temple, which will be revealed with the coming of Moshiach, will descend from heaven and be dedicated during Marcheshvan. We therefore refer to this period with the respectful title of “master” or “sir” to honor an event that will signify our greatest joy.
Chasidut explains that the Hebrew language - the “holy tongue” - is unlike all other languages, in which the words that are used to describe things are arbitrary. In Hebrew, the word for an object is that object, the holy letters being the channel for its life-force and very existence. Aramaic, a related Semitic language that was the lingua franca of Jews in ancient times (and in which most of the Talmud is written), is described as the intermediary or bridge between the holy tongue and all other languages. In Tractate Sanhedrin of the Talmud, it is explained that Marcheshvan means “the movement of the lips.” During the month of Tishrei, when a Jew is consumed with praying and intense study of the Torah, his mouth becomes a conduit for G-dliness. The impact of these holy vibrations of the lips are still felt in the month of Marcheshvan, and G-d willing, throughout the year to come.
