As we went through the davening (prayers) throughout the High Holidays, we realized how
influenced we were by the letters and words that comprised the different piyutim (poems) and prayers. The use of the Alef-Beit as an acrostic for many of the piyutim created a rhythm and beauty that complemented the content of the poetry. Having this experience in our
davening has given us the idea to have as a theme for this years Alef Bytes a
discussion of prayers in our davening relevant to the letter for each month
during the year. We hope that our study will enhance our appreciation for the
spiritual structure of the Alef-Beit and strengthen our connection to our
davening whether we are novices or experienced participants in formal prayer.
From Tishrei to Mar Cheshvan

Hanging onto the spiritual high of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah is almost impossible. How do we come down from the "high" of the High Holy days without losing who we thought we had become? How do we hold on and let go at the same time? What do we do with the dissipation of the intense spiritual energy from the entire month of
Tishrei? How does the month of Cheshvan help us?

Return of Tachanun

From Yom Kippur to the 2nd of Cheshvan, it is traditional to not recite in the morning
service the Tachanun prayer that follows the silent Amidah (Shmoneh Esrei).
Tachanun is an intense prayer of supplication in which we let our face fall to
our arm and plea for G-d's gracious compassion. During times of joy and
celebration Tachanun is ommited, so it waits till after Rosh Chodesh (the New
Moon) Cheshvan to be recited.

Cheshvan & Tachanun

Both of the words -- Cheshvan and Tachanun -- have the word Cheyn (Chet-Nun) in them. The first and last letters of Cheshvan (Chet-Shin-Vav-Nun) and the central letters of
Tachanun (Tav-Chet-Nun-Vav- Nun) spell Cheyn. Cheyn is most often translated as
graciousness and is usually paired with the word Rachum, meaning compassion. We
find these two words together in the 13 Attributes of G-d, "...Rachum
v'Chanun..." "Gracious and Compassionate..." Rachum, compassion, is most easily
understood to mean empathetic caring or deep sympathy. But what does Cheyn,
Graciousness, add to this? Cheyn implies showing this compassion to someone
undeserving, perhaps someone who has "fallen." Being indulgent
and finding favor with one who is undeserving of compassion is the hallmark of graciousness.
Finding Grace in G-d's Eyes

There is no more appropriate time for us to seek
G-d's Cheyn, G-d's Grace, than after we have soared with all of our good
intentions during the month of Tishrei and are in danger of
crashing to the ground as we return to "ordinary" time. We need G-d to extend generous
compassion to us, even if we are undeserving. There is no holiday in the month
of Cheshvan to lift us up (hence the appelation Mar Cheshvan or Bitter
Cheshvan). It is only through the grace of G-d that we can hang on to what we
achieved during the month of Tishrei. And it is only through G-d's cheyn, G-d's
grace, that we can come down from the lofty place of the Shemoneh Esrei where we
are in intimate conversation with G-d to return to our daily lives.
Interestingly, this prayer follows right after the Shemoneh Esrei, the "high"
point of the weekday morning service. These two high points, the month of
Tishrei and the Shemoneh Esrei, are both followed by a month/prayer that enables
us to fall without being lost -- Cheshvan and Tachanun.

Noach

We always read the portion of Noach during the month of Cheshvan. His name, when the letters
are reversed, also spell Cheyn (Nun-Chet to Chet-Nun) and we read in the Torah
at the very end of Parshat Bereshit, "But Noach found grace in the eyes of G-d."
(Bereshit 6:8). Even though G-d brings the flood to destroy the world which has
become totally corrupt, Noach and his family are saved. There is great debate
about Noach's righteousness, but what we do know is that whatever it was, G-d is
gracious to him and his family, and ultimately to all of us, by keeping the
world going and allowing humanity to continue.

Falling In Order to Rise

Just as we literally put our heads down during Tachanun as we echo the words of King
David, "...Let us fall into G-d's hand for His mercies are abundant..." we ask
G-d to show us Cheyn, Graciousnes, and rescue us no matter how far we may fall.
Falling into G-d's hand is the path to our ultimate redemption.

Addendum:
Please take a look at the Tachanun prayer and see the presence of the letter Nun
throughout. And if you may not have surmised this already, there is an Alef Beit
acrostic for the sequence of the entire morning davening, an Alef Beit order
that we will return to through the year. Please let us know what your thoughts
are about this theme and direction of study and any uses of the Alef Beit that
impressed you during your davening.