The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

The Power of the Month of Cheshvan featuring Rabbi Pill


Listen Later

In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Pill to explore the power of Mar Cheshvan and discover that it’s not a spiritual lull at all, but the time when we’re meant to integrate the inspiration of Tishrei into everyday life. We discuss how Jewish time moves in an upward spiral, and how Cheshvan shifts us from “gadlus ha’mochin” (expanded consciousness) to “katnus ha’mochin” (constricted consciousness), when serving Hashem without emotional highs becomes the real avodah. Drawing from Torah, Kabbalistic, and Chassidic sources, we reflect on how our service counts most when the excitement fades, and how the letter Nun—representing both falling and divine support—reminds us that every descent can become the beginning of an ascent. We also connect Cheshvan to the Flood and the dedication of the First Temple, showing how this same month can hold both darkness and revelation. On a practical level, we talk about yearning honestly for renewed connection, resisting the urge to escape discomfort, and carrying even one small piece of Tishrei forward—whether a mindful bracha or a focused moment in tefillah. The message is that Cheshvan invites us to bring Hashem into our work, family, and daily routine, turning quiet consistency into true transformation.


Join the Conversation! 

Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.


Get the Companion Guide: The Power of the Months

This free resource outlines the spiritual focus of each Hebrew month — including its mazal (zodiac sign), tribe, Hebrew letter, body part, and unique avodah. It also includes suggested actions you can take to align yourself with the energy of the time. Click here to download and keep this month-by-month guide as a tool for your own growth and reflection.

 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Shema Podcast for the PerplexedBy Dan Kullman

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

24 ratings


More shows like The Shema Podcast for the Perplexed

View all
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

541 Listeners

The Israel Guys by The Israel Guys

The Israel Guys

306 Listeners

Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcast Collection by TORCH

Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe Podcast Collection

80 Listeners

Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe by TORCH

Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

64 Listeners

For Heaven's Sake by Shalom Hartman Institute

For Heaven's Sake

444 Listeners

Unpacking Israeli History by Unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History

1,190 Listeners

Call Me Back - with Dan Senor by Ark Media, Ilan Benatar

Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

3,248 Listeners

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing by The Times of Israel

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

1,095 Listeners

Gedale Fenster - Podcast by Gedale Fenster - Podcast

Gedale Fenster - Podcast

399 Listeners

Honestly with Bari Weiss by The Free Press

Honestly with Bari Weiss

8,815 Listeners

Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe by TORCH

Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

14 Listeners

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection by TORCH

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection

18 Listeners

FDD Morning Brief by FDD

FDD Morning Brief

79 Listeners

Ask Haviv Anything by Haviv Rettig Gur

Ask Haviv Anything

825 Listeners

What's Your Number? by Ark Media

What's Your Number?

107 Listeners