The NUN of Cheshvan

In previous Divrei Torah we have explored the Hebrew letters connected with
the months of Elul (Yud) and Tishrei (Lamed). Now that we are in the month of
Cheshvan, we want to learn about its letter -- the letter NUN. Every letter
has certain aspects that point us in a direction that helps us understand the
wisdom the
letter conveys. We will look at several aspects and pose questions for all of
us to consider.

NUN - That which has fallen (NUN, PEH, LAMED)
One of the major concepts connected with the letter NUN is to that which has
fallen or descended (NUN, PEH, LAMED). In "Ashrei," one of the Tehillim
composed by King David and recited three times a day, we notice that the
psalm's verses are in alef-beit order. However, there is one letter
conspicuously absent. There is no verse that begins with the letter NUN. King
David did not want to begin a verse with the letter NUN, because of its
association with that which has fallen. However, in the next verse of
"Ashrei," which begins with the letter SAMECH, we see that the NUN word -
"no'fleem" "fallen" appears. But, it is safely couched in the phrase
"Someych HaShem l'chol ha'noflim," "G-d upholds all who are fallen." SAMECH,
which is the letter connected with the concept of "so'maych," which means to
uphold, uplifts the NUN which has fallen.

Another reference to that which has fallen is to the Holy Temple, which during
Sukkot we refer to as "sukkat David ha'nofelet," the "fallen Sukkah of David."
It is interesting to note that King David is a point in commonfor both of
these examples. Why?

NUN - Mashiach
A further idea to understand is that NUN is also connected to Mashiach, the
one who represents the collecting and uplifting of all the "fallen sparks."
One of the names of Mashiach is "Yinon," which means "shall rule."
Additionally, Mashiach is referred to ar "Bar Niflah", "the miscarriage" or
literally "the fallen one." (R'Ginsburgh) Why is falling so closely connected to redemption? How do we understand the relationship between something that has declined and how it
can be uplifted?

NUN - The power to lower and to uplift In our lives there
are many things that have the power both to lower us and
make us fall as well as to be uplifted and sanctified. One example is found
in Parshat Vayeira in the story of Lot. Lot is the "fallen spark" of Abraham
who chose to leave Abraham and settle in Sodom and Gemorrah. When Lot is
rescued from the destruction of Sodom and Gemorrah, his daughters ply him with wine (Yud,
Yud, Nun) intoxicating him so they can have sexual relations with him and
therefore have children through him. Wine, which we are directed to use to
sanctify Shabbos, the holidays, marriage, etc. was used in this situation to
commit incest. And yet, it is the descendent of this incestuous relationship -- Ruth, the
Moabite -- who is the great-grandmother of King David, the ancestor of the
Mashiach. Why does the Mashiach come from this misuse of wine and the "fallen
spark" (Lot) rather than from someone and a situation more lofty?

Cheshvan
This month of Cheshvan is typically referred to as "Mar Cheshvan," (CHET,
SHIN, BET, NUN) "Bitter Cheshvan" because the month has no holidays in it.
Its bitterness is more deeply felt after the month of Tishrei which is almost
uninterrupted in holidays. There is a let down during Mar Cheshvan that we
can understand is connected to NUN and a state of falling. But, as we have
noticed, a fallen state also has potential for uplifting. What is the
spiritual challenge of NUN and the month of Cheshvan?

NUN = 50
NUN has a gematria of 50. Fifty is a signifcant number in Parshat Vayeira,
because it is the number of righteous people that Abraham begins his
bargaining with G-d for the salvation of Sodom and Gemorrah. What might the
significance be of having 50 righteous people? Are there other "50s" that
represent this same idea?

NUN - Physical Decline
Fifty is also significant as an age for women. By age 50 most women have
reached menapause. Their reproductive potential has fallen or is in decline.
Yet, many women experience renewed creativity, interest and excitement in
other areas of their life at the same time. The decline is accompanied by
renewal. How can we understand this paradox?

Initially, NUN looks like a letter to avoid rather than embrace. How do we
deal with "fallen sparks" in our own lives and in the communal lives of our
people? Please share your responses to our questions as well as any additonal
thoughts or ideas you might have about the letter NUN and/or the month of
Cheshvan. We look forward to incorporating your insights into next week's
d'var Torah.