Tevet — The Month of Divine Grace

Tevet is in the winter, the 10th month of the year. The book of Esther tells us that Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus's palace in the 10th month! This was divine grace, given the circumstances that Esther would soon find herself in. Ayin is the letter that represents Tevet. Ayin has to do with perception. This time for Esther and King Ahasuerus could allow the King to perceive (ayin) Esther's goodness.

This time with the King was a turning point towards deliverance and to gain divine strategy and grace, which Esther would soon need.

The Siege of Jerusalem

On the tenth of Tevet the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem began. This siege brought famine, plague, bloodshed and hunger. But the sages see siege on a deeper level than disaster. On the level of ayin, they perceive even in a time of great trouble, like a siege, there is opportunity to see that a siege affects everyone — everyone is in a siege together. It is time to perceive that despite our differences, we share a common humanity that has problems. So even siege can allow us to see this and support one another on a human level.

Fasts Turned to Joy

Zechariah shows us the good even in the fasts that address the hard times — they will be turned to joy.

'Thus says Adonai-Tzva'ot, 'The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth month will become joy, gladness and cheerful moadim. Therefore, love truth and shalom!''

Zechariah 8:19

Perspective of Grace

It is all about our perspective. May we perceive the good.

'And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.'

Romans 8:28