The month of Cheshvan marks a return to our regular, mundane, normal lives.  After the levity of Rosh Hashanah, the solemnity of Yom Kippur and the Joy of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, Cheshvan, with its notable lack of holidays, brings us back to the stark realities of the material world.

Even though Cheshvan has no special mitzvot or holidays to its credit, there are many interesting facets to this month that may just surprise you. Here is a summary of lesser-known facts about Cheshvan, the eighth month in the Jewish calendar:

- Cheshvan is more properly called Mar-Cheshvan.  Mar is translated as 'bitter,' which is indicative of the month's lack of special days.
- Mar can also be translated as 'water,' which is appropriate since this is the month that Jews start praying for water.
- In relation to the concept of water, the Great Flood began on the 17th of Cheshvan.
- The construction of Holy Temple in Jerusalem was completed during the month of Cheshvan.
- During this month we celebrate 'Jewish Mother's Day.' Rachel, our foremost mother died during Cheshvan.
- The Mazal for this month is the Scorpion.
- Cheshvan, due to it's lack of holidays, is reserved for the coming of Moshiach, the Messiah.