Shovevim

Shovevim (Hebrew: שובבי"ם ) is an acronym for the Jewish weekly Torah portions of "Shemot", "Va'era", "Bo", B'Shallach", "Yitro" and "Mishpatim". The period in which those portions are read typically falls around January-February.

During this 6 week time period in the Hebrew calendar, it is customary to be more careful not to violate any of the sex-related transgressions (such as masturbation) commanded in the Torah. Some also study the laws relating to such transgressions, or recite special "tikkunim" (Kabbalistic prayers or meditations) designed to counteract their harmful effects.

There are those Jews who have a custom to fast every Monday and Thursday during these weeks.

The origin to these customs in based on Jewish Kabbalistic teachings and therefore Sephardic and Hassidic Jews are more likely to follow these customs than their Ashkenazic counterparts.

There are extra prayers added called "Tikkun Shovavim" during these weeks.

On occasion one sees references to an eight-week period called "Shovavim Tat", derived by adding the next two portions, "Terumah" and "Tetzaveh", to the list.

References

*Daat enc|title=שובבים ת"ת|id1=2496
* [http://www.tikunhabrit.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=30 Shovevim in Jerusalem, Prayers for sexual sins, Matthew Wagner, tikunhabrit.com]
* [http://chareidi.shemayisrael.com/archives5762/shemos/ashvvm.htm Shiurim on the Laws of Purity During Shovevim in Bnei Brak, Yerushalayim and Kiryat Sefer, A. Cohen, Dei'ah veDibur, 18 Teves 5762 - January 2, 2002]