Shovavim

Shovavim (Hebrew: שובבי״ם) 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 term shovavim is a Hebrew acronym consisting of the initial letters of the parshioth (Torah portions) of "Shemot", "Va'era", "Bo", "Beshalach", "Yitro" and "Mishpatim". The period in which these portions are read typically falls around Tevet-Shevat in the Hebrew calendar (corresponding to January–February). During a Hebrew calendrical 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.

When read as a Hebrew word, shovavim means "mischief-makers." This word appears in Jeremiah 3:22, which begins: "Return, mischief makers" (שׁוּבוּ בָּנִים שׁוֹבָבִים). The name shovavim is thus symbolic of the repentance which one is exhorted to do in this period.