During these six weeks, according to Kabbalah, it is customary to torture oneself twice a week (on Mondays and Thursdays) for atonement purposes.

"The kabbalists torment themselves and pray for snow, which is a sign that the Jewish people's sins are being forgiven and erased," Batzri explained.

"Just like in the Temple, when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and pray for the people of Israel's sins to be forgiven, the sign for forgiveness was the scarlet cord that would turn white. The same applies for kabbalists, who after the beginning of the fasting period wait for snow as a sign that God has forgiven the people's sins."

Another reason for celebration is the opportunity given to kabbalists to engage in "snow incarnation" – a "tikkun" (rectification) done by tormenting the body in a bid to atone for religious transgressions, especially sex-related, and prevent their spiritual effects on human beings.



"Days of snow are a days of celebration for kabbalists," Rabbi Batzri quoted Jerusalem kabbalist Rabbi Salman Mutzafi.


The nine incarnations are done in the nude, and because of the risks they are only performed by "elected" people know by the public as special righteous men.

An ordinary person insisting on taking part in the celebration to atone his sins is advised to collect a bit of snow in his hands and "spread" it on different parts of his body, such as the arms and face.