A Special Time of Favor: The Days of Shovavim

The period of Shovavim is a six-week period that begins with Parshat Shemot and continues until Parshat Mishpatim. Shovavim is an acronym for the Torah portions read during these weeks: Shemot, Va'era, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, and Mishpatim. It is named after the verse: "Return, O backsliding (shovavim) children, I will heal your backslidings" (Yirmiyahu 3:22). Hashem calls on us to return to Him and correct our actions and reassures us that He will then forgive the sins we have committed in our past.

Many Jewish books and sources explain that the days of Shovavim are a special time of favor. It is a time when 'the voice of my beloved is knocking,' and the gates of repentance are open. These days are conducive to building ourselves spiritually, like the Ten Days of Repentance. It is a time when it is easier to achieve spiritual growth in Torah and mitzvot.

Rabbi Aharon of Pesaro writes in his book "Toldot Aharon" (Parshat Shemot, page 29): "Shovavim is like the Ten Days of Repentance, and it is a time when prayer is accepted, similar to the Ten Days of Repentance. The essence of Shovavim is to correct one's character traits, sanctify the senses, and guard oneself from sadness, anger, and pride."

The Rebbe of Apta writes in his book "Ohev Yisrael": "The main aspect of repentance is through Torah, prayer, and charity. Each person according to his ability, and especially through the study of Oral Torah and clarifying the law with proper elucidation."

Our Sages explain that during this period, one should study more Torah, pray more, and give extra charity. It is also customary to read Psalms during the days of Shovavim.

Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin explains in his book "Pri Tzaddik" that engaging in Torah study on an ongoing basis is even more helpful than engaging in repentance. Studying Torah brings a person closer to Hashem's will and naturally draws him to goodness and prompts him to abandon his negative habits. Through the power of Torah, and especially through the extra potential for repentance during the days of Shovavim, one can work toward perfection. Rabbi Tzadok states: "The Shovavim portions are a time of repentance for backsliding children, fixing what repentance cannot typically heal, as mentioned in the Zohar (1:219b). But there is a correction through words of Torah, which comes from wisdom, which is above repentance that comes from understanding."

Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef explained this principle in one of his lectures: "The Torah is compared to fire (Devarim 33:2, Yirmiyahu 23:9). It nullifies the power of the evil inclination, as our Rabbis said: 'I created the evil inclination, and I created the Torah as its antidote' (Tractate Kiddushin, page 30b). The fire of Torah extinguishes the fire of the evil inclination."

Each individual should work to overcome his natural tendencies and subdue certain desires for the sake of Hashem. By doing so, he takes another step toward perfection and closeness to Hashem.