May 12, 2013

SHAVUOT: A harvest festival leads to thanks for the Torah

Crowd of thousands of Jews gather at Western Wall at dusk

Thousands of Jews gather at the Western Wall on Shavuot. Photo released via Wikimedia Commons

SUNSET TUESDAY, MAY 14: Synagogues are decorated with greenery and flowers tonight, mimicking the top of Mount Sinai, as Jews wrap up a seven-week period of anticipation known as the Counting of the Omer. The Counting of the Omer ends today, giving way to Shavuot: the celebration of the day G_d gave the Torah to the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. Due to the counting of seven weeks leading up to Shavuot, Shavuot is also known as the Festival of Weeks.

The ancient festival prompts many stories and interpretations. One of them emphasizes: The movement from the Counting of the Omer to Shavuot connects the physical freedom in the Exodus with the spiritual freedom of the presentation of the Torah. During Passover, which was weeks ago, Jews acknowledged the physical freedom given to the ancient Israelites through the Exodus; more specifically, this physical freedom was acknowledged on the second day of Passover, when the Counting of the Omer began. Each night since, observant Jews have remembered the current count of days until they reach day 49. Today—day 50—Jews recognize the official presentation of the Torah. This, the 50th day, is also sometimes called Pentecost, although the Jewish religious associations with the holiday are different than the Christian Pentecost. (Learn more about Shavuot from the Jewish Virtual Library.)

Shavuot is one of the Jewish observances that differs, depending on location. In Israel, it’s one day; in the rest of the world, it’s two days.

OVERFLOWING BASKETS AND DECORATED OXEN

Bikurim or Bikkurim Basket of grapesAncient Israelites marked the spring grain harvest for seven weeks. “Omer” is an ancient measure of grain. When that first harvest ended at Shavuot, farmers would bring an offering of two loaves of bread to the Temple of Jerusalem. In the same manner, the first fruits of Israel (Bikkurim) were brought to the Temple on Shavuot. In a grand display, farmers would fill baskets woven of gold and silver with the Seven Species—wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates—and load the glittering baskets onto oxen whose horns were laced with flowers. (Wikipedia has details.) These oxen and farmers would travel to Jerusalem, marching through towns and met by music, parades and other festivities.

To this day, many Jewish families display baskets of “First Fruits,” including foods of wheat, barley, grapes, wine, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

SHAVUOT: DAIRY, RUTH & THE WESTERN WALL

Among the many customs associated with Shavuot are the consumption of dairy products and the reading of the Book of Ruth and, for many observant Jews, an all-night Torah study. Several explanations exist for these traditions. One is: Jews recall the night the Torah was given and how the ancient Israelites overslept. Although Moses had to awaken the ancient Israelites, Jews today remain awake throughout the night, all the while giving thanks for the Torah. In Jerusalem, the all-night Torah study ends with the procession of tens of thousands to the Western Wall at dawn.

Work is not permitted during the entirety of Shavuot. Looking for dairy recipes to prepare for the holiday? This Jewish blog offers Kale and Mushroom Quinoa ‘Mac and Cheese,’ and Haaretz suggests Yam, Goat Cheese and Rosemary Quiche.

For more holiday inspiration, enjoy …

Author Debra Darvick offers her introduction to Shavuot from her popular collection of real-life stories: This Jewish Life.

AND: If you’ve enjoyed this holiday article—and you’re especially drawn toward the inspiration of nature: Enjoy Debra Darvick’s column on discovering irises in the desert.

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May 9, 2013

YOM YERUSHALAYIM: Jews unite with the Old City on Jerusalem Day

Crowd of Jews dressed waving Israeli flags

Jews rejoice for Jerusalem on Yom Yerushalayim. Photo in public domain

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8: Thousands of Israeli flags wave high through the streets of Jerusalem today—many as part of the annual Flag Parade—as Jews in the Old City mark Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day). Historically, Jews recall the reunification of Jerusalem and the institution of Israeli control over the Old City, in 1967; religiously, Jews thank G_d for answering their millennia-old plea of, “Next year in Jeruslaem” and rejoice for their ability to, once again, pray at the Western Wall. (Learn more about the Jewish flag in this piece from the Jewish Press.)

Contrary to the popularity of Israel’s national day, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Yom Yerushalayim is rarely commemorated by those outside of Israel; some liberal Jews even find the holiday disconcerting, due to the continuing conflicts over the Old City. In Jerusalem, however, special prayers are recited in every synagogue; schoolchildren learn the significance of the Old City; state ceremonies are conducted and Jews sing and dance in the streets. (Aish.com has related stories and more.) Today, Jews across Israel hike, bike and drive to Jerusalem, visually declaring their solidarity with the Old City.

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April 25, 2013

Lag BaOmer: Jewish commaraderie around bonfires and brews

A large bonfire at dusk with onlookers standing behind the fire

Lag BaOmer bonfires symbolize that spiritual light triumphs over any other form of light. Photo in public domain

SUNDAY, APRIL 28: Each evening since the second night of Passover, Jews have collectively kept track of passing days—or, as the traditon is known, counting the Omer. From that first night, Jews count upward, pausing today for a special occasion: Lag BaOmer or the 33rd day in the Omer. A number of events are recalled at Lag BaOmer, especially focused on the famous Rabbi Akiva and the death later of one of his pupils, another famous teacher known as Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. (Learn more at Judaism 101.)

So, what is the reference to “brews” in the headline today? For Lag BaOmer 2013, the Jewish  Telegraphic Agency (JTA) has just posted a fun story headlined “Brewing up a New Connection to Lag BaOmer.” The Omer wasn’t actually a measure of time; the Omer was an ancient measure of barley, offered day by day in the temple. The JTA suggests: “What better way to mark the coming holiday than by downing a barley beverage, cold and carbonated?”

LAG BaOMER:
THE TRADITIONAL STORY

The Talmud states that during the time of Rabbi Akiva, 24,000 of his students died from a plague. By the 33rd day of the Omer, just five students had survived: among them was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a disciple who would go on to become a Mishnaic sage.

On his deathbed many years later, it’s written that Rabbi Shimon revealed the secrets of mystical teachings within the Torah. (Get details from Wikipedia.) Since Rabbi Shimon allegedly extended daylight hours to complete his teachings, many Jews light bonfires tonight to symbolize that all light is submissive to spiritual light. Others light bonfires to symbolize Rabbi Shimon’s passing of spiritual light to the rest of the world. Upward of 250,000 attendees are expected this year on Lag B’Omer at Meron, the burial place of Rabbi Shimon and his son. An enormous bonfire lights the night sky at Meron each year, as onlookers sing, feast and carry torches.

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April 12, 2013

Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israeli memorial day and celebration of independence

An Israeli flag and flag baners decorate the balcony of an apartment

Israelis fly flags with pride on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Photo released via Wikimedia Commons

APRIL 14-16: Back-to-back commemorations in Israel begin at sunset on Sunday April 14, this year. First, Yom Hazikaron is an Israeli memorial day recalling the cost of the nation’s freedom. Then, at sunset Monday April 15, the solemn tone turns to celebration in Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s independence day.

Given the strong connection the global Jewish community feels to the establishment of Israel, these holidays are widely marked around the world. In the U.S., the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) has a helpful overview page. Setting the overall context of these observances, the URJ explains: “Since the establishment of the State of Israel, four new holidays have been added to the Jewish calendar—Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day), and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day). In Israel, these holidays are observed as national holidays.”

YOM HAZIKARON: Israeli Memorial Day

At sundown on April 14, Israelis bow their heads collectively honoring any fallen soldier or civilian victim of terrorism. Because Israel is a relatively small nation and all Israeli adults are expected to serve in the armed forces, this is an observance that touches nearly every household.

Sirens blare nationwide, causing men and women to stop in their tracks for a moment of silence. (Learn more from the Jewish Virtual Library.) From that moment, places of entertainment, restaurants and shops are closed, television and radio shows showcase patriotic Israeli themes and the flag of Israel is lowered to half-staff. The official ceremony of Yom Hazikaron takes place at the Western Wall.

Today, Yom Hazikaron pays respect to every life given for the state of Israel since 1860, and national memorial services are attended by Israeli leaders, military personnel and common citizens alike.

YOM HA’ATZMAUT: Israeli Indepedence Day

Twenty-four hours later, an official ceremony at Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem, kicks off Israel’s Independence Day: Yom Ha’atzmaut. In the years immediately following the declaration of the state of Israel in 1948, memorial services for fallen soldiers were held on the new Independence Day. Families of the deceased objected, however, noting that the festive atmosphere of Independence Day didn’t pay proper homage to the sacrifice of their loved ones. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion heeded the request, establishing a separate observance for fallen soldiers in 1951. (Wikipedia has details.)

For Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israelis return their flags to full staff. (Find related stories and more at Aish.com.) On this, the Jewish anniversary of the declaration of the State of Israel by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, in 1948, Israelis flow out into the streets in many neighborhoods for celebrations. In many public places, musical performances and fireworks are planned. The official ceremony at Mount Herzl features speeches, artistic programs and a ceremonial lighting of 12 torches: each year, one dozen exemplary Israeli citizens are chosen to light the 12 torches symbolizing the 12 Tribes of Israel. (One writer reflects on today and yesterday at the Jerusalem Post.)

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April 6, 2013

YOM HASHOAH: Worldwide, men and women recall Holocaust; reflect on challenges of genocide

Teenage boys wave Israeli flags while wearing blue coats

Thousands of Israeli students embark on the ‘March of the Living’ each Yom HaShoah, in defiance of the Nazi Death Marches. Photo released via Wikimedia Commons

APRIL 7-8: Unfortunately, global responses to genocide are not a matter for history books; they’re a very real part of world news in an ongoing way. So, there is good reason for people around the world to reflect on the 60th Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The observance runs from sunset April 7 through Monday April 8. Many Jewish communities around the world marked the solemn occasion on Sunday.

Inaugurated in 1953 by Israeli leaders, Yom HaShoah recalls the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Through educational programs, memorial ceremonies and a famed annual “March of the Living,” Jews in Israel and throughout the Diaspora join the world in saying, “Never again.”

YOM HASHOAH IN ISRAEL

In Israel, Yom HaShoah involves the entire nation. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) reports: “Israel came to a standstill as a siren sounded for two minutes in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Following a siren Monday morning, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem Hall of Remembrance. … Kerry then joined Israeli President Shimon Peres for the ‘Unto Every Person There is a Name’ ceremony held each year at the Knesset, where Peres read out the names of his relatives who were victims of the Holocaust. Names of Shoah victims also were read by notables in religion and government, among others.” (Read the entire JTA report.)

YOM HASHOAH CYBER ATTACK

The New York Times reports on April 8 about a series of anti-Israeli cyber attacks that hit websites, including the website for Yad Vashem, the world-famous Holocaust memorial center in Jerusalem. (Read the entire New York Times report.) Apparently the hackers were not too sophisticated. One expert told the Times that the strategies were “childish.” In fact, the Yad Vashem website is up and running with fascinating articles and online exhibits, including one that looks at the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

YOM HASHOAH AROUND THE WORLD

While no specific ritual or text exists for Yom HaShoah, most Jews of the Diaspora light memorial candles and recite the Kaddish—a prayer for the departed—or attend ceremonies at a synagogue. President Jimmy Carter commemorated Yom HaShoah at the U.S. Capitol in 1979, and civic ceremonies have since gained immense popularity across America. Aside from numerous local events, HBO will premiere a documentary this year, “50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus,” promoting the story of a Jewish couple from Philadelphia who traveled to Germany and rescued the largest group of children brought into the U.S. to date. (JNS.org has a synopsis and photos.)

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March 22, 2013

Jewish: Millions of families gather for Passover

Note: The morning of March 25 begins the Fast of the Firstborn in which observant firstborn sons fast to commemorate the salvation of firstborns in ancient Egypt.

http://www.readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2013/03/wpid-SF_313_Pesach_Passover_Seder_table.jpgA Passover Seder table. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsSUNSET, MONDAY, MARCH 25: “Pesach, Passover, follows Purim by a month and a day and commemorates the liberation of the People of Israel from Egyptian slavery. Outside of the High Holidays, Passover is likely the most widely observed holiday of the Jewish calendar.” So writes nationally known columnist and author Debra Darvick in her newly released This Jewish Life: Stories of Discovery, Connection & Joy. You’ll enjoy reading her entire overview of this festival.

It’s the 15th day of Nisan as Jews gather around Seder tables, raise multiple glasses of wine and say a prayer for the Feast of Unleavened Bread—otherwise known as Passover. (Check out the Jewish Virtual Library or Wikipedia to learn more.) Like their ancestors before them, Jews today use symbols and readings during the Seder to recall the stories of Exodus in the Torah (and in the Christian Old Testament).

As the ancient Hebrews ran from their houses before their bread could rise, free at last, so today’s Jews ensure that their kosher Passover meals contain no chametz. In fact, observant families clean all traces of non-kosher-for-Passover foods out of their homes. Many switch to different dishes, eating utensils and cooking equipment to avoid any contact with traces of such foods. Chametz is defined as anything involving biological leavening, including simply wetting grains and let them stand for more than 18 minutes. Five grains, in particular, are identified: wheat, barley, spelt, rye and oats. (Learn more—and even sell off your chametz online—at Chabad.org.)

The goal is to observe ancient customs—then to freshen the associated stories for each new generation. So, for example: Wondering what if Moses had had Facebook? Access modern takes on ancient Passover stories at Aish.com.

The Seder includes many steps and lasts for hours. Stressing over the pressure of hosting a Seder? Take some advice from a cookbook veteran in this article from the Washington Post. Or, try a Passover app. All adults present at the Seder are required to drink a total of four cups of wine during the Passover Seder, and further, the Mishnah commands that even the poorest man in Israel has an obligation to drink. Interspersed throughout prayer and stories are the breaking of matzah (unleavened) bread; the washing of the hands; the eating of the symbolic elements on the Seder plate; and, of course, the eating of the holiday meal itself. The whole evening ends with a joint exclamation: “Next year in Jerusalem!”

For the next seven days—or eight, in the Diaspora—Jews will partake of no chametz at any meal. Jews commonly enjoy foods such as potato starch cakes, Gelfite fish, chicken soup with matzah balls and generous amounts of egg. Beginning on the second night of Passover, Jews begin the Counting of the Omer—a 50-day countdown to the holiday of Shavuot.

IN THE NEWS: PASSOVER 2013

Ever wonder what a Seder would be like in Paris? France has the largest Jewish population of any country in Europe, yet few French Jews are open about their affiliation. Get a firsthand look at the challenges of tracking down kosher foods and Jewish friends in this article from the New York Times. Or, get a visual with a slideshow of Passover time in Paris. Hungry to mix your heritage with Judaism? Get delicious recipes, and an insightful look at blending cultures, in this interview with a Mexican Jew. Not looking to cook this year? Kosher Today reports in the Jewish Press that approximately 60,000 Americans and Canadians will spend more than $200 million this Passover, with many hiring private chefs.

HOLIDAY RESOURCES: FOODS & IDEAS

http://www.readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2013/03/wpid-SF_313_Pesach_Passover_food_beets_matzo.jpgBeets with smoked herring and matzahMany websites offer free tips, recipes, thought-provoking readings to share at the Seder and other holiday ideas. In Washington D.C., the Obama family always hosts and attends a small Seder primarily for Jewish members of the White House staff. One of the most popular Passover ideas the White House has shared is this page containing holiday-appropriate recipes contributed by eight different chefs. If you’ve got a taste for spinach, don’t miss the Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins. Want sweets? Plan ahead to make this Passover Lemon Sponge Cake with Strawberries. Or, try the Boston Globe’s recipe for Passover Chocolate Mousse. Yum!

DR. M.L. KING: LESSONS OF PASSOVER FOR EVERYONE

http://www.readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2013/03/wpid-SF_313_Passover_ML_King.jpgDr. Martin Luther King, Jr.The most frequently quoted non-Jewish source at Seders may be the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a great choice to spark discussion at the dinner table. Hundreds of King’s texts are available online, including messages King delivered about the Exodus story. Like most African-American pastors, King drew on Exodus as a core narrative in the struggle for justice.

Among King’s most famous messages was a lengthy 1957 sermon in which he declared that the Exodus story is as true today as it was thousands of years ago. One lesson King drew was: “The oppressor never voluntarily gives freedom to the oppressed. You have to work for it.” Later in the sermon, he added: “Freedom only comes through persistent revolt, through persistent agitation, through persistently rising up against the system of evil.” Finally, he argued that this struggle is best accomplished through nonviolent means: “The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community. The aftermath of nonviolence is redemption. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation. In the aftermath of violence are emptiness and bitterness.”

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February 23, 2013

Jewish: Joy, hilarity and costumes reign at Purim

http://www.readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2013/03/wpid-Purim_Parade_through_the_streets.jpgA Purim Parade with costumes and larger-than-life figures. Photo by Lilach Daniel, released for public use.STARTING SUNSET SATURDAY, FEB. 23: On the 14th of the month of Adar in the Jewish calendar, hilarity reigns as the holiday of Purim is celebrated. One is commanded to drink enough liquor so that it becomes impossible to distinguish between the phrases “cursed be Haman” and “blessed be Mor- dechai.” In Hebrew these words become a tongue twister, so it doesn’t take much.

Today, we welcome author Debra Darvick, writing about Purim in her new book, This Jewish Life: Stories of Discovery, Connection and Joy. This holiday story is Debra’s introduction to the Purim section of her book.

NOTE: The holiday runs until sunset Sunday.

Children and uninhibited adults dress in costume; hamantaschen, triangular cookies dabbed with poppy seed, prune, apricot, or chocolate fillings, are enjoyed by the dozens. Friends and family give one another food baskets called mishloach manot, filling them with all sorts of goodies—hamantaschen, fruits, candy and the like. Joy and abandon reign. Giving to charity is also an important part of Purim.

The story of Purim is told in the Megillah, the Book of Esther. Esther, a Jewish maiden chosen by King Ahasuerus of Persia to be his queen, learns of a plot devised by the king’s viceroy, Haman, to kill all of Persia’s Jews. Esther’s uncle, Mordechai, initially urges her to conceal her identity. However, once she becomes queen and has the opportunity to save her people, Mordechai instructs Esther to tell the king the truth about her heritage. The new queen is reluctant to do so but ultimately reveals to the king not only her identity but the fact that his own viceroy plans to do away with her people. Haman is hanged on the gallows erected for Mordechai, who, earlier in the story, had incensed Haman by refusing to bow down to him.

Each time the name Haman is chanted during the public reading of the Megillah, cacophony erupts. Noisemakers called groggers are shaken to drown out the evil one’s name. Many communities perform Purim spiels, plays that reenact the story of Purim.

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