Shovavim
Shovavim () 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 name "shovavim" is a Hebrew acronym for the Jewish parshioth (Torah portions) of "Shemot", "Va'era", "Bo", "B'Shallach", "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 Jewish 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. The acronym "shovavim" also forms a Hebrew word, meaning "mischief-makers." This word appears in Jeremiah 3:22, which begins: "Return oh mischief makers" (). Thus the name "shovavim" is symbolic of the repentance which one is exhorted to do in this period. Practices. Shovavim is a season when the kabbalists teach that it is auspicious to repent for sins ("mischief"), especially for sexually-related transgressions. A comprehensive Kuntres dedicated to the spiritual work of Shovavim (By Rav Zerach Eidlitz 1725-1780) called 'Or LaYishraim' was recently redone (available at shovavim.com). With addition from later Torah greats as to the proper  path one should take for the Teshuva process. During these weeks, it is customary to be more careful not to violate any of the sexually-related transgressions commanded in the Torah. Some have the customs of studying laws relating to such transgressions, fasting and giving extra "tzedakah" (charity) during this time, and of reciting Selichot and other "tikkunim" (Kabbalistic prayers or meditations) designed to counteract their harmful effects. On the Shabbatot (Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath) when these weekly portions of the Torah are read, some take upon themselves to refrain from speaking, except words of prayer and Torah. This type  of fast is called a "ta'anit dibbur" (). The origin to these customs is based on Jewish Kabbalistic teachings and therefore Sephardic and Hassidic Jews are more likely to follow them than their Ashkenazic counterparts. Fasting. During the Shovavim period, some Jews have the custom to fast every Monday and Thursday from dawn until dusk. One custom is to fast only the first Monday and Thursday and the second Monday ("beit hey beit", or "BaHaB"). Some fast on Friday (the eve of Shabbat) until the afternoon. Prayer. There are extra prayers added called ""Tikkun Shovavim"" during these weeks. Some have the  custom of praying more prayers and reading extra Psalms during this period. Section::::"Ta'anit Dibbur". A special type of fast called a "ta'anit dibbur" is observed by some during the Shovavim period. This does not involve refraining from eating and drinking, but from speaking. During the entire day (usually Shabbat, when regular fasting is prohibited), between sunrise and dusk, one refrains from superfluous speech. Speaking words of prayer and Torah is permitted. Some Jewish congregations gather on the Shabbat when these speech fasts are held, to read the entire book of Psalms three times (a total of 450 psalms). At an  average pace, this reading can take up to ten hours. This is usually accomplished between the Shabbat morning meal and the afternoon prayer.