Kislev: A Month of Light, Faith, and Hidden Strength

The month of Kislev, the third month from Creation and the ninth month in the Torah’s count from the Exodus, is rich in historical, spiritual, and symbolic meaning. It is mentioned twice in the Bible, once in Zechariah (“on the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, which is Kislev” – Zechariah 7:1) and once in Nehemiah (“It came to pass in the month of Kislev” – Nehemiah 1:1).

Like the other Jewish months, Kislev was adopted during the Babylonian exile. In Akkadian, the month is called Kislimu, a name related to thickness and abundance.  Rashi suggests that the name may also be linked to the word telem (furrow), referring to the plowed fields prepared for winter planting after the first rains of the season, which begin in Kislev. Others associate Kislev with kesel, meaning hope or trust, since this is the season when people pray and hope for rain.

In Chassidic teachings, the name Kislev is also interpreted through the lens of faith and trust, linked to the verse “If I have made gold my trust (kisli)” (Job 31:24). This interpretation highlights the essence of Chanukah, the central event of the month, whose miracle stemmed from unwavering faith and spiritual courage.

Sagittarius zodiac (photo: shutterstock)

The Symbolism of the Bow and the Promise of Light

The zodiac sign of Kislev is Sagittarius (the bow). The prophet Ezekiel refers to the rainbow in a cloudy sky: “Like the appearance of the bow in the cloud on a rainy day” (Ezekiel 1:28), reflecting the mix of sun and rain typical of this time of year. The bow also alludes to the victory of the Hasmoneans over the Greeks, a spiritual triumph in which the few overcame the many.

Midrash Rabbah further associates the bow with Joseph, who is described as “his bow remained firm” (Genesis 49:24), symbolizing strength under pressure. Additionally, the constellation Orion, known in Hebrew as Kesil, appears prominently in the Kislev sky and is thought by some to share etymological roots with the month’s name.

Kislev is a month of rain and transition. When rains are delayed, the court may declare public fasts. The month can be either 29 or 30 days long, depending on the year. On the 25th of Kislev, we begin Chanukah, the eight-day festival that commemorates Divine miracles and spiritual resistance. We give thanks to Hashem for saving our ancestors during the time of the Maccabees.

(photo: shutterstock)

Illuminating the Darkness: A Chassidic Perspective on Kislev

Every Jewish holiday holds a unique emotional and spiritual energy, and Kislev, through the lens of Chanukah, offers a powerful message of transformation. The mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles is an eternal act of testimony. It reminds every passerby that even when the world outside is cloaked in darkness, the Jewish home shines with light. This light is not merely symbolic; it radiates joy, confidence, and sanctity.

The candles are lit after sunset, emphasizing that holiness can and must shine in times of darkness. The miracle of Chanukah teaches that physical strength and numbers do not guarantee victory. True strength lies in spiritual resilience and devotion. The few and the weak prevailed over the mighty because they possessed inner faith, commitment to mitzvot (commandments), and self-sacrifice for Divine truth.

This is the timeless pattern of Jewish history: in every generation, the Jewish people have been small in number and materially disadvantaged, yet spiritually undefeated. The “voice of Jacob” silences the hands of Esau, and the pure light of Torah dispels even the thickest shadows.

In our generation, often referred to as the “footsteps of the Messiah,” the challenge of spiritual darkness is especially acute. Yet a single mitzvah, a single flame, can dispel enormous darkness. As Chassidic masters teach, every Jew must not only strengthen their own bond with Torah and mitzvot, but also strive to shine that light outward, beyond the private home into the public realm. When the world sees the name of God reflected in the Jewish soul, fear and negativity dissolve, and the mundane is elevated. Darkness transforms into light.