Tebeth is a Hebrew month, also known as Tevet. The spelling of Tebeth is influenced by the transliteration system from Hebrew to English, which follows a specific set of rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, Tebeth is pronounced /ˈtɛbɛθ/, with a stressed /ɛ/ and a soft /θ/ at the end. The "e" in Tebeth represents the "e" sound in "bed," while the "th" at the end is pronounced similar to "thick" or "thin." Overall, the spelling of Tebeth follows the rules of Hebrew-English transliteration.
Tebeth is a Hebrew term representing the tenth month of the Jewish ecclesiastical calendar, observed during the winter season. The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, consisting of twelve or thirteen months, with Tebeth falling in the middle of the year. Tebeth typically begins around mid-December and concludes in mid-January according to the Gregorian calendar.
In the Jewish tradition, the month of Tebeth holds historical and religious significance. It is associated with mourning and remembrance as it commemorates the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people in the sixth century BCE. Additionally, Tebeth is known for the observance of the minor fast day of the 10th of Tebeth, recognized as a day of mourning, prayer, and reflection, reminiscent of the tragic events experienced by the ancient Jewish community.
The name "Tebeth" is derived from the Akkadian language, which influenced ancient Hebrew. Its etymology can be traced to the Akkadian term "ṭebētu," meaning “to drink oneself drunk.” This potentially alludes to the cold and dark winter days during which Tebeth takes place. The month of Tebeth serves as a reminder for introspection, commemorating historical events while encouraging repentance and spiritual growth among Jewish communities.
The word "Tebeth" is derived from the Hebrew name for the tenth month of the Jewish calendar, which is also known as "Tevet" (טֵבֵת) in modern Hebrew. The origin of the Hebrew word is unclear, but it is believed to have been borrowed from an Akkadian term, "tišritum", which refers to the tenth month in the ancient Babylonian calendar.