Shovavim is a period of six to eight weeks each year, in which some Kabbalists teach one should focus on repenting for one's sins, particularly sexual sins. The name shovavim is a Hebrew acronym for the Jewish parshioth of "Shemot", "Va'era", "Bo", "B'Shallach", "Yitro" and "Mishpatim". The period in which these portions are read typically falls around Tevet-Shevat in the Hebrew Calendar. During a Jewish leap-year, this period is extended to an eight-week sequence called "Shovavim Tat", derived by adding the next two portions, "Terumah" and "Tetzaveh", to the list. The acronymshovavim also forms a Hebrew word, meaning "mischief-makers." This word appears in Jeremiah 3:22, which begins: "Return oh mischief makers". Thus the name shovavim is symbolic of the repentance which one is exhorted to do in this period.
Practices
Shovavim is a season when the kabbalists teach that it is auspicious to repent for sins, especially for sexually-related transgressions. A comprehensive Kuntres dedicated to the spiritualwork of Shovavim called 'Or LaYishraim' was recently redone. With addition from later Torah greats as to the proper path one should take for the Teshuva process. During these weeks, it is customary to be more careful not to violate any of the sexually-related transgressions commanded in the Torah. Some have the customs of studying laws relating to such transgressions, fasting and giving extra tzedakah during this time, and of reciting Selichos and other tikkunim designed to counteract their harmful effects. On the Shabbatot when these weekly portions of the Torah are read, some take upon themselves to refrain from speaking, except words of prayer and Torah. This type of fast is called a ta'anit dibbur. The origin to these customs is based on Jewish Kabbalistic teachings and therefore Sephardic and Hassidic Jews are more likely to follow them than their Ashkenazic counterparts.
Fasting
During the Shovavim period, some Jewish individuals have the custom to fast every Monday and Thursday from dawn until dusk. One custom is to fast only the first Monday and Thursday and the second Monday. Some fast on Friday until the afternoon.
Prayer
There are extra prayers added called "Tikkun Shovavim" during these weeks. Some have the custom of praying more prayers and reading extra Psalms during this period.
''Ta'anit Dibbur''
A special type of fast called a ta'anit dibbur is observed by some during the Shovavim period. This does not involve refraining from eating and drinking, but from speaking. During the entire day, between sunrise and dusk, one refrains from superfluous speech. Speaking words of prayer and Torah is permitted. Some Jewish congregations gather on the Shabbat when these speech fasts are held, to read the entire book of Psalms three times. At an average pace, this reading can take up to ten hours. This is usually accomplished between the Shabbat morningmeal and the afternoon prayer.
