What are the days of "Shovavim" and What Makes Them Special?

We stand at the outset of great and powerful days – the days of “Shovavim.” During these weeks, we read the Torah portions that discuss the Egyptian exile, Israel's redemption, and the giving of the Torah. These Torah portions are Shemot, Va'era, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, Mishpatim, and together they form the Hebrew acronym “Shovavim.” The Arizal revealed that these days are more conducive to holiness and purity than any other time of year.

Many Kabbalists follow the Arizal's advice to fast more frequently at this time, at least on Mondays and Thursdays throughout these six weeks. The Babylonian Talmud teaches that after fasting one should pray that the reduction of body fat and blood on account of fasting should be like a sacrifice offered on an altar. It's understood that fasting is part of genuine repentance, which also includes regret, confession, leaving our sinful ways, and commitment for the future. At this time, we also pray to Hashem more frequently and fervently.

In our generation, when people are more physically weak, one who recognizes that he cannot fast may rely on halachic authorities who permit giving charity in lieu of fasting. As Rabbi Yosef Chaim noted, these fasts can be redeemed through charity. One should try to fast just on the day that he gives charity, along with engaging in repentance and prayer. It is proper to join a community that recites "Tikkun Shovavim," which can help purify the soul.

Good Practices

Here are some important practices for these days:

• One should engage in Torah study, even briefly, before he goes to sleep. The Chida notes that he should specifically study the Zohar. It is written about the Torah: "When you lie down, it will protect you." It’s also good to study the book "Tanna D'vei Eliyahu."
• Particularly during this time period, one should be meticulous about reciting the bedtime Shema with proper intention, as this creates a wonderful and powerful tikkun (improvement/revival) in the upper worlds. Each time one recites the Shema he destroys 1,125 harmful entities. In general, when a person gets into bed, he often quickly drifts off to sleep, and it is therefore important to be attentive when reciting the bedtime Shema and be careful with each word.

After reciting the three paragraphs of Shema, one should recite the verses that appear in prayer books, "Let the pious exult" etc., and repeat the two verses "Behold, the bed of Shlomo, encircled by 60 warriors..." three times, because these two verses contain 20 words, and when repeated three times, they total 60 words, which is the secret of the 60 warriors. One should recite the three verses of the Priestly Blessing, "May Hashem bless you and protect you..." which contain 60 letters, also related to the 60 warriors. One should recite Psalm 91, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High" until the words "For You, Hashem, are my refuge," which also contains 60 words. All these verses contain deep secrets, and through them great tikkunim are made in the upper worlds. Afterward, one should recite the viduy (confession) and the prayer "Ana B'koach."