The Hebrew month of Tishrei is filled with Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. The Hebrew month of Cheshvan, which started this week, has none. In fact, it’s the only month of the year without any holidays and is therefore usually referred to as Mar Cheshvan—bitter Cheshvan.

Let’s unpack that bitterness a bit. Sure, if holidays represent times of joy, then the absence of holidays could be seen as bitter times—almost by definition. But I, for one, find joy in returning to a normal schedule.

During During Tishrei, we put off home and work projects until that magical time of year known as “after the holidays” (a.k.a. Cheshvan). I’ve been playing email catch-up for a month and am looking forward to getting my inbox under control. I also have a list of phone calls to return—and maybe even a few errands that have been waiting patiently.

So I’m not sure “bitter” is the right word. There’s something comforting about getting back to regular life—normal meals, full workweeks, and predictable bedtimes. After a month of shofars, fasting, and eating in the sukkah, a little routine feels downright sweet.

Maybe that’s the secret of Cheshvan: it gives us space to catch our breath, clean up our inboxes, and put all that holiday inspiration into action. Bitter? Not really. More like a cup of black coffee—strong, steady, and just what we need to start the year right.

Here’s to Cheshvan—quiet, steady, and full of potential.