The transition into Tammuz from Sivan can be a wake-up call, a realization that you didn't know you needed. The first three months of Nissan, Iyar, and Sivan were months of liberation, freedom, healing, unification, and what felt like a cosmic connection to Hashem as we celebrated Matan Torah on Shavuot. We were at a peak in the Hebrew calendar.
Entering Tammuz, the start of the summer months almost feels like there is a negative connotation to the month. According to Sefer Yetzirah (The Book of Creation), one of the earliest known texts of Kabbalah regarding the creation of the universe, Tammuz corresponds to Eisav (the twin brother of Yakov). Tammuz is considered one of the Hebrew calendar's more challenging or "negative" months. This perspective is largely influenced by historical events and spiritual traditions associated with this time.
The Creation of Tammuz
By learning what influences the month, you can better navigate its opportunities, challenges, and tikun (correction). Here, we will look at the influences: special dates, Eisav, the astrological sign, the planet, the Hebrew letter, the sense of the month, and tribe. And, of course, understand the month's opportunity so that you can experience Tammuz with intention and embodiment.
The Three Weeks This is the beginning of a significant and melancholic period in the Hebrew calendar known as "The Three Weeks - בין המצרים." According to Kabbalah, evil forces are in charge during the Three Weeks. This period commemorates a series of tragic events in Jewish history, beginning with the Romans' breach of the walls of Jerusalem, which eventually led to the destruction of the Second Temple. The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day that recalls this pivotal moment and other calamities, such as Moshe breaking the tablets upon witnessing the sin of the Golden Calf.
According to Kabbalah, on dates such as the 17th of Tammuz, the energy of that day returns to earth, thus influencing the collective experience. This is also true for other holidays such as Rosh Hashana (the day man was created—Talmud Bavli, Rosh Hashanah 10b-11a). As a result of the return of these energies on the 17th of Tammuz, there is a collective experience of sadness, grief, mourning, loss, and a desire to go inwards.
During these weeks, the strategy is to go inward and consider the causes of historical and personal tragedies. Tammuz is preparing for Elul's introspection. Tammuz reveals precisely what you need to work on to prepare for the New Year. As a result of the obstacles, you see what needs attention; you see your opportunity to reveal your strength. You are given the opportunity to stretch yourself and get uncomfortable for the sake of incredible growth. The grief during Tammuz is not only for past destructions but also for the ongoing state of exile and spiritual losses. This sense of loss is compounded by recognizing the distance from a fully realized spiritual life, which the Temple once symbolized.
This period urges you to remember the past, acknowledge the present challenges, and strive for spiritual restoration and renewal.
Many Jews do not go swimming, take risks, or make big decisions during this period until after the Three Weeks when the evil forces are not in control as these actions are seen as a potential harm. These evil forces can look like negative self-talk, self-doubt, insecurities, comparing yourself, lashon ha'ra, and excessive doubt/worry in general. As a result, there are practices to lower these influences during this time, such as heartfelt prayer, meditation, journaling, and uplifting your spirit through Torah. Our sages teach us to have perspective this month. To see things with a good eye, practice gratitude and appreciation. Instead, the focus is on introspection, self-examination, and increased prayer to counter the adverse effects and seek spiritual protection and renewal. This understanding is rooted in Talmudic and Midrashic texts, Kabbalistic literature, and Halacha, which collectively inform the observance and customs of this period.
Esav and Tammuz
According to Kabbalah Esav and Yaakov, they represent two contrasting spiritual forces or archetypes. These figures, twins born to Yitzckah and Rivka, symbolize differing paths and challenges within the Hebrew calendar and individuals' spiritual journeys.
Esav's attributes are often associated with the physical and material world and represent the unrefined, impulsive aspects of human nature. He is characterized by impulsiveness, emotional instability, and a focus on physical prowess and earthly power.
With this information, you can prepare for what lies ahead. With understanding, you see obstacles as moments to rise above your nature and experience this period gracefully.
Mazal of Tammuz
According to Sefer Yetzira, Tammuz corresponds to the astrological sign of Cancer (Sartan). The crab captures the complex emotional and spiritual dynamics characteristic of this time. This reminds me of Sefirat HaOmer, where holding these two complexities of gratitude and hardship was practiced. The day of Hod Sh'Be Gevurah. This day encapsulates the complex emotional landscape where one acknowledges and accepts the presence of pain, grief, and loss (Gevurah) while cultivating gratitude (Hod) for the growth and learning these experiences can bring. It is a time to recognize and honor the inner struggles and emotions of sadness while maintaining an attitude of gratitude for the deeper understanding and resilience that can emerge from such experiences.
The crab is known for its hard outer shell, which serves as a protective barrier, for its soft, vulnerable interior. Just as the crab protects its delicate inner self with a tough exterior, individuals may use emotional defenses or experience strong emotions. This period often brings up deep emotions, requiring a balance between protecting oneself and staying open to introspection and growth.
Tammuz's opportunity is mastering one's emotions. The reflective nature of the moon, which governs Cancer, further enhances this theme, as it encourages looking inward and understanding the root causes of one's emotional states. Just as water can be calm and stormy, so can one's emotions fluctuate during this time. The challenge and opportunity of Tammuz lie in learning to navigate these emotional waters with wisdom and care, using the period's introspective energy to gain insight and emotional maturity.
The process of mastering emotions in Tammuz involves a form of inner work and transformation. With its periodic molting, the crab sheds its old shell to grow a new one. This metaphorically represents the potential for personal growth and renewal during this month. By consciously working through emotions and not being overwhelmed, you can emerge stronger and more resilient, having shed old patterns and embraced new, healthier ways of being.
The Planet - Moon
According to Sefer Yetzira, the moon governs the month of Tammuz. The moon's phases—waxing and waning—symbolize the fluctuating emotions. The moon's reflective nature also represents the theme of introspection and self-examination. Additionally, the moon is a symbol of the Shechina (Female Divine Presence), which has been said to be hidden due to the evil forces and collective mourning over the destruction of the Temples. Rachel, one of the matriarchs of the Jewish people, represents the Shechina who is exiled with the Jewish nation. She is connected to Tammuz through her mourning over the loss of the Temples and the exile. She is buried on the side of the road in Bethlehem, where Jews for many generations stop to pray even today. She is remembered for her unwavering love and support for her children, even after her death, as depicted in the Midrash, where she weeps for her descendants during times of trouble. This connection to Rachel highlights the themes of mourning and empathy in Tammuz and the idea of being a source of comfort and support to others during challenging times. To learn more about the connection of Rachel, our Matriarch, and Tammuz, click here.
The Hebrew Letter
The Letter Chet (ח): In Sefer Yetzirah, the letter "ח" (Chet) is associated with Tammuz. Chet represents life ("chayim חיים") and vitality, as well as the potential for sin and repentance. The shape of the letter Chet, which resembles a gateway or a barrier, symbolizes the choices and paths one can take. It can signify an opportunity for spiritual renewal or a descent into negativity if one fails to exercise caution. The letter's connection to Tammuz emphasizes the need for careful decision-making and the potential for spiritual growth, even when experiencing difficulties. To read more about the letter Chet, click here.
Tribe of Reuven
Tammuz is linked to the tribe of Reuven (ראובן), known for its sensitivity and emotional depth. Reuven's name, meaning "See, a son," highlights themes of insight and awareness. The connection underscores a period where deep personal and spiritual understanding is essential, emphasizing the need to confront and overcome personal and collective challenges.
Sense of Sight The sense associated with Tammuz is sight, reflecting the importance of seeing with perspective, "guarding one's eyes," to see only good (in the world in general and in others).
In Conclusion
Tammuz has a tremendous opportunity to reveal your strength when playing your cards right and using this time for emotional maturity. With life's difficulties, you are reminded to get perspective and guard your eyes. Rather than seeing the obstacles as a punishment, view them as an opportunity to reveal your strength. It is only through the obstacles you truly know how strong you are, how far you've come, and have the moment to actualize your potential. When experiencing an intense emotional moment, allow yourself to visit it. Explore the emotions and feelings. To receive the wisdom of the emotions, which is also connected to intuition, they must first be held to be let go. Hold them for as long as you need to, and you can finally liberate them when they are ready.
The phases of Tammuz and Av prepare for Elul and Tishrei. By embodying the Hebrew calendar, you inherently connect to Jewish wisdom for the soul and experience transformations during your time here.
Soon, there will be a shift in energy with Rosh Chodesh Av, intensifying until the 9th of Av. Afterward, it will turn into a much-needed comfort phase.
No matter how hard this time might be for you, pray to Hashem for strength to overcome.
Psalm 34:19 - "Hashem is near to the brokenhearted and saves those of crushed spirit." קָר֣וֹב יְ֖הֹוָה לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי־לֵ֑ב וְאֶת־דַּכְּאֵי־ר֥וּחַ יוֹשִֽׁיעַ
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