Although no formal holidays are observed during the month of Heshvan, a number of important historical events took place during this month, of which we should be aware. Firstly, we read in the Book of Melachim I (6:38) that the building of the Bet Ha’mikdash during the time of King Shelomo was completed in the month of "Bul," which has been identified as Heshvan. God instructed that the Temple’s dedication be delayed eleven months, until the 8th of Tishri the following year, but the building was completed during Heshvan. (Interestingly, the Sages teach that the month of Heshvan protested to God, claiming that it was "shortchanged," and God promised that in the future a great celebration will be held during this month.)
The use of the name "Bul" in reference to Heshvan has been explained in light of another noteworthy event that took place during this month (according to one view), namely, the onset of the flood in the time of Noach. We read in the Book of Bereshit (7:11) that the floodwaters began descending on the seventeenth day of the second month, Heshvan. This month is therefore referred to as "Bul," a shorthand form of the word "Mabul," or "flood."
The fourth of Heshvan is the Yahrtzeit of the Ramban (Rabbi Moshe Nahmanides, Spain, 1194-1270), one of the greatest of the Sephardic Rishonim (Medieval Talmudic scholars). Another important date in Heshvan is the eleventh day of the month, which marks the Yahrtzeit of our matriarch Rachel. Scores of Jews customarily visit Rachel’s Tomb in Bet Lehem on this day to pray, and many also light candles in her memory. Finally, the Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Don Isaac Abarbanel (1437-1508), a prominent Sephardic Rabbi, exegete and philosopher, also occurs during Heshvan, toward the end of the month.
