April 05, 2007
The theology of freedom
When I defend Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, I always point out that we were repeatedly ethnically cleansed from Israel and kept coming back. Among the perpetrators were the Babylonians, the Romans, and then a young rapacious Islam. Andrew Bostom has the gory details on the last, and how the State of Israel represents liberation from oppression by a dominant imperialist culture :
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Judith | 04/05/07 at 09:52 PM | 3 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 04, 2007
V'Hi She'amda
I was going through old emails in one of my sporadic attempts to practice good email hygiene, and found a slightly outdated but relevant one from frequent commenter Alex Bensky. Unfortunately, this sentiment is still apropos, and as Alex points out, probably always will be:
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Judith | 04/04/07 at 07:14 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Pesach in Vienna 1947
A silent movie of Passover in a displaced persons camp in Vienna 1947.
I wish I could post this video, but you have to follow the link. My mother and my aunt by marriage are both from Vienna, although they left before the war and only returned as American tourists. But if they hadn't gotten their visas to England and the US, they might have been at that seder. If they survived till 1947.
Judith | 04/04/07 at 04:38 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 03, 2007
Celebrate Passover with the Barry Sisters
From the YouTube page:
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Judith | 04/03/07 at 05:56 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Counting the Homer
The 2nd night of Pesach we begin the mystical, meditative discipline of counting the Omer, which re-enacts on a spiritual level each step in the journey from the liberation at the Red Sea to the revelation of Torah at Sinai.
The creative synthesis of American pop culture and ancient Jewish tradition has produced an innovation called Counting the Homer. The Homer website has a whole section on the Jews of Springfield, and links to the Simpsons Talmud and learned investigations of the Simpsons Sephardic crypto-Jewish ancestry. D'oh.
Judith | 04/03/07 at 05:39 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 02, 2007
Mitzrayim to Ge'ulah, speedily and in our days
Chag Sameach from Treppenwitz, who uses his Pesach greeting post to link to just about every Jewish blog there is. So bookmark it for after the holiday. He also publishes a prayer for captives:
May the One Who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon, bless the kidnapped and captive soldiers, including among them Gilad ben (the son of) Aviva Shalit; Ohed ben Malka Goldwasser; Eldad ben Tova Regev; Guy ben Rina Hever, Ron ben Batya Arad; Yekutiel Yehuda Nachman ben Sarah Katz; Tzvi ben Penina Feldman; and Zecharia Shlomo ben Miriam Baumel. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, watch them and save them from all trouble and oppression and from all evil and injury.May He be filled with mercy for them, to cause them to recover and to heal them, to strengthen them and to invigorate them, and to bring them speedily to freedom, to return to the embrace of their families. May they merit long lives and years of much strength and peace. In the merit of our forefathers, may the descendants be saved and fulfill through them the verse, 'Release my soul from imprisonment to praise Your Name' (Psalms 142:8), swiftly and soon, and let us all say Amen.
Treppenwitz quotes from a Hebrew prayer for the redemption of captives, often sung to a stirring melody - mp3 and lyrics below.
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Judith | 04/02/07 at 05:49 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
The Aviv Matzha Story
I was combing YouTube for Pesach-related videos, and I found this campy documercial about Aviv Matzah Co. in B'nei Brak. Coincidentally, I had just bought a box at Fairway that afternoon, and it was the first time I had ever heard of that brand. Since Pesach hasn't started yet, I haven't tried them.
Incidentally I am not going to do an elaborate series of Pesach posts as I did in years past, but you can find those under Chagim in the category list halfway down the left sidebar; scroll down to 2004 and 2005. The holiday posts from fall 2006 burnt me out; I made one each from Rosh Chodesh Ellul through Simchat Torah, each one with a music file and visual art and theology and customs of the season. You can view them in the Yamim Noraim category and then the Sukkot posts in the Chagim category. But you have to go back to the category list each time because if you click sequentially from the top of the post you just get to the next post from that week.
Also I might be going back to the Middle East between Pesach and Shavuot (more info later) and it's harder to post regularly when I'm traveling. Well, not that it's harder but it's not what I want to spend my time doing.
Judith | 04/02/07 at 01:08 PM | 2 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 01, 2007
Jewlia Eisenberg and Frank London
Every year there's a star-studded high-ticket pre-Passover seder in Manhattan. This performance from last year features Jewlia Eisenberg of Charming Hostess, and Frank London & the Klezmer All-Stars.
More on Charming Hostess, one of my favorite bands, and Exhibit A in my refusal to Stalinize my art appreciation:
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Judith | 04/01/07 at 05:42 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
March 31, 2007
If the Passover Story Were Reported by The NY Times
I got the following via email a few years ago. Although a few of the names have changed, unfortunately it hasn't aged much. And the ending hasn't aged at all.
The cycle of violence between the Jews and the Egyptians continues with no end in sight in Egypt. After eight previous plagues that have destroyed the Egyptian infrastructure and disrupted the lives of ordinary Egyptian citizens, the Jews launched a new offensive this week in the form of the plague of darkness.
Western journalists were particularly enraged by this plague. "It is simply impossible to report when you can't see an inch in front of you," complained a frustrated Andrea Koppel of CNN. "I have heard from my reliable Egyptian contacts that in the midst of the blanket of blackness, the Jews were annihilating thousands of Egyptians. Their word is solid enough evidence for me."
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Judith | 03/31/07 at 10:16 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
March 24, 2007
Cleaning for Passover
Daled Amos has some sensible advice.
Judith | 03/24/07 at 11:45 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 16, 2006
Hanukkah 2: Una Candelika
Ocho kandelas para me!
Judith | 12/16/06 at 07:39 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 15, 2006
Simchat Torah: after much relationship counseling, a wedding
[ UPDATE: Check out this story about one of the oldest existing Torah scrolls. Scribed in Spain around 1100 CE (the era of Miamonides), it was taken to Rhodes by the Sephardic Jews escaping the Inquisition in 1492. Lots of interesting detail about the differences in lettering. One of the commenters links to the Aleppo Codex, which dates from 10th c. Tiberias. ]
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)

Thank God no more holidays for two months. Whew! But you are supposed to carry a bit of the festive spirit to the next day so you don't get a sudden let-down. I think a good night's sleep ought to do it.
A sprightly song from the Iraqi repertoire, Ma Navu Alay
about all the Jews returning from exile to Jerusalem and being reunited with God as are a bride and groom.
Simchat Torah is a wedding ceremony.
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Judith | 10/15/06 at 11:27 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 13, 2006
Shemini Atzeret: Hevel
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)
The Book of Ecclesiasties, known in Hebrew as Kohelet, is read on the intermediate Shabbat of Sukkot, which this year is the same day as Shemini Atzeret. We sing Hallel, read Kohelet, and the hazan chants Geshem all on the same day. Long service but very musical.
Pharoah's Daughter sings lines from Kohelet
to an original tune, from the CD Out of the Reeds.
This downbeat megillah's relation to the the season of joy which precedes it seems paradoxical. How one reads it turns in part on how one translates the key word "hevel," which has no English equivalent. It is usually rendered as "vanity" or "futility", but it is primarily a word connotating transience, or impermanence without the judgemental frustration that "vanity" or "futility" imply. ("Hevel" - usually pronounced as "Abel" in English translations - is also the name of Adam and Chava's son, which has inspired a certain amount of midrash.)
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Judith | 10/13/06 at 05:49 PM | 4 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Shemini Atzeret: Mashiv haruach u'morid hagashem
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)
Kehilat Hadar sings lines from Psalm 93
("More than the roars of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, are You Hashem on high.")
Although Sukkot is the culmination of an entire week of mandated joy, releasing the tension of 40 days of introspection, it is also a week of praying for rain. But we don't want rain in the sukkah because when we are drenched we are not happy, so the accumulation of requests spills over (as it were) on the extra day of Shemini Atzeret, when the hazan sings a liturgical poem invoking the Patriarchs in asking for rain.
Uh oh. . . .
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Judith | 10/13/06 at 05:35 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Sukkot 7: Judgement for water
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of these include a mp3 of Jewish music from a wide variety of sources and genres.)
The Klezmatics with Chava Alberstein perform "Di Krenitse" ("The Well") at the New Synagogue in Berlin. Partial translation at the end of this post. ***
How are your lulav and etrog holding up?
If your moral self-examination continued past Yom Kippur, the last slips of petition and remorse can be slid through the closed, locked gate today, Hoshana Rabbah. Beat them willow branches really hard.
The Diaspora Band sings "Lulei He'emanti"
from Psalm 27, which we recite every day from the first of Ellul through today.
("If I had not believed to look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!--
Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.")
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Judith | 10/13/06 at 12:12 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 12, 2006
Sukkot 6: Signs and wonders
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/12/06 at 11:12 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 11, 2006
Sukkot 5: Ushpizin and Ushpizot
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/11/06 at 11:41 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 10, 2006
Sukkot 4: I've heard there was a secret chord that David played to please the Lord
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/10/06 at 11:59 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 09, 2006
Sukkot 3: the peace of uncertain shelter
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/09/06 at 09:42 PM | 1 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 07, 2006
Sukkot 2: Arba minim
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/07/06 at 07:29 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 06, 2006
Sukkot 1: Ashrei Shabbat
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/06/06 at 06:07 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Sukkot 1: Pri Eytz Hadar
All Yamim Noraim posts here, including one post a day from Rosh Chodesh Ellul 5766 through Yom Kippur 5767. All chagim posts here, including one post a day from the first day of Sukkot through Simchat Torah 5767. (Each of . . . more »Judith | 10/06/06 at 05:37 PM | 1 Comments | 7 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
June 01, 2006
Standing at Sinai
Tonight night begins the Festival of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai.After we have accomplished all we can through our own initiative, then we are worthy to receive a gift (matan) from Above which we . . . more »Judith | 06/01/06 at 03:36 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 31, 2006
Day 49 of counting the Omer
The countdown from Pesach to Shavuot is almost over, the journey from Egypt to Sinai is almost complete: Shavuot begins tomorrow night. Are you ready to accept the Torah? I have been remiss in not sharing with you other omer . . . more »Judith | 05/31/06 at 11:07 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 30, 2006
Day 48 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Malchut: Bonding in Nobility. Examine the bonding aspect of your sovereignty. Healthy independence should not prevent you from bonding with another person. . . . more »Judith | 05/30/06 at 11:46 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 29, 2006
Day 47 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Malchut: Humility in Nobility. Sovereignty is G-d's gift to each individual. Hod of Malchut is the humble appreciation of this exceptional gift. . . . more »Judith | 05/29/06 at 11:03 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 28, 2006
Day 46 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Malchut: Endurance in Nobility. A person's dignity and a leader's success are tested by his endurance level. Will and determination reflect the . . . more »Judith | 05/28/06 at 11:00 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 27, 2006
Day 45 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Malchut: Compassion in Nobility. A good leader is a compassionate one. Is my compassion compromised because of my authority? Do I realize . . . more »Judith | 05/27/06 at 10:56 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 26, 2006
Day 44 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Malchut: Discipline in Nobility. Although sovereignty is loving, it needs to be balanced with discipline. Effective leadership is built on authority and . . . more »Judith | 05/26/06 at 10:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 25, 2006
Day 43 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Yesod and entered the final week of Malchut, leading to the receiving of the Torah on Shavuot. Chesed . . . more »Judith | 05/25/06 at 10:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 24, 2006
Day 42 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Yesod: Nobility in Bonding. Bonding must enhance a person's sovereignty. It should nurture and strengthen your own dignity and the dignity of . . . more »Judith | 05/24/06 at 11:25 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 23, 2006
Day 41 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Yesod: Bonding in Bonding. Every person needs and has the capacity to bond with other people, with significant undertakings and with meaningful . . . more »Judith | 05/23/06 at 11:23 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 22, 2006
Day 40 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Yesod: Humility of Bonding. Humility is crucial in healthy bonding. Arrogance divides people. Preoccupation with your own desires and needs separates you . . . more »Judith | 05/22/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 21, 2006
Day 39 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Yesod: Endurance in Bonding. An essential component of bonding is its endurance; its ability to withstand challenges and setbacks. Without endurance there . . . more »Judith | 05/21/06 at 11:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 20, 2006
Day 38 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Yesod: Compassion in Bonding. Bonding needs to be not only loving but also compassionate, feeling your friend's pain and empathizing with him. . . . more »Judith | 05/20/06 at 11:17 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 19, 2006
Day 37 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Yesod: Discipline of Bonding. Bonding must be done with discretion and careful consideration with whom and with what you bond. Even the . . . more »Judith | 05/19/06 at 11:15 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 18, 2006
Day 36 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Hod and entered the week of Yesod. Chesed of Yesod: Lovingkindness of Bonding. Love is the heart of . . . more »Judith | 05/18/06 at 11:47 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 17, 2006
Day 35 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Hod: Nobility in Humility. Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is . . . more »Judith | 05/17/06 at 11:45 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 16, 2006
Day 34 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) - Yesod of Hod: Bonding in Humility. Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There . . . more »Judith | 05/16/06 at 11:42 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 15, 2006
Day 33 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Hod: Humility in Humility. Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one . . . more »Judith | 05/15/06 at 11:38 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 14, 2006
Day 32 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Hod: Endurance in Humility. Examine the strength and endurance of your humility. Does my humility withstand challenges? Am I firm in my . . . more »Judith | 05/14/06 at 11:54 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 13, 2006
Day 31 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Hod: Compassion in Humility. Examine if your humility is compassionate. Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social or does . . . more »Judith | 05/13/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 12, 2006
Day 30 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Hod: Discipline in Humility. Humility must be disciplined and focused. When should my humility cause me to compromise and when not? In . . . more »Judith | 05/12/06 at 08:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 11, 2006
Day 29 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Netzach and entered the week of Hod. Chesed of Hod: Lovingkindness in Humility. Examine the love in your . . . more »Judith | 05/11/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 10, 2006
Day 28 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchus of Netzach: Nobility in Endurance. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of endurance. Endurance that encompasses the previous six qualities is indeed a tribute and . . . more »Judith | 05/10/06 at 11:48 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 09, 2006
Day 27 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Netzach: Bonding in Endurance. Bonding is an essential quality of endurance. It expresses your unwavering commitment to the person or experience you . . . more »Judith | 05/09/06 at 11:46 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 08, 2006
Day 26 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Netzach: Humility in Endurance. Yielding - which is a result of humility - is an essential element of enduring. Standing fast can . . . more »Judith | 05/08/06 at 11:45 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 07, 2006
Day 25 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Netzach: Endurance in Endurance. Everyone has willpower and determination. We have the capacity to endure much more than we can imagine, and . . . more »Judith | 05/07/06 at 11:43 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 06, 2006
Day 24 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Netzach: Compassion in Endurance. Healthy endurance, directed to develop good qualities and modifying bad ones, will always be compassionate. The compassion of . . . more »Judith | 05/06/06 at 11:42 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 05, 2006
Day 23 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Netzach: Discipline in Endurance. Examine the discipline of your endurance. Endurance must be directed toward productive goals and expressed in a constructive . . . more »Judith | 05/05/06 at 11:52 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 04, 2006
Day 22 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Gevurah and entered the week of Netzach. Chesed of Netzach: Lovingkindness in Endurance. For anything to endure it . . . more »Judith | 05/04/06 at 11:40 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 03, 2006
Day 21 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Tiferet: Nobility in Compassion. Examine the dignity of your compassion. For compassion to be complete (and enhance the other six aspects of . . . more »Judith | 05/03/06 at 11:55 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 02, 2006
Day 20 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Day 20 - Yesod of Tiferet: Bonding in Compassion. For compassion to be fully realized, it needs bonding. It requires creating a channel between . . . more »Judith | 05/02/06 at 11:53 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 01, 2006
Day 19 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Day 19 - Hod of Tiferet: Humility in Compassion. If compassion is not to be condescending, it must include humility. Hod is recognizing that . . . more »Judith | 05/01/06 at 11:51 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 30, 2006
Day 18 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Tiferet: Endurance in Compassion. Is my compassion enduring and consistent? Is it reliable or whimsical? Does it prevail among other forces in . . . more »Judith | 04/30/06 at 11:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 29, 2006
Day 17 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Tiferet: Compassion in Compassion. True compassion is limitless. It is not an extension of your needs and defined by your limited perspective. . . . more »Judith | 04/29/06 at 11:57 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 28, 2006
Day 16 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Tiferet: Discipline in Compassion. For compassion to be effective and healthy it needs to be disciplined and focused. It requires discretion both . . . more »Judith | 04/28/06 at 11:56 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 27, 2006
Day 15 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) We have left the week of Gevurah and entered the week of Tiferet. Chesed of Tiferet: Lovingkindness in Compassion. Examine the love aspect of . . . more »Judith | 04/27/06 at 11:32 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Day 14 of counting the Omer
Yes, I'm running late. Counting the Omer correctly takes a lot of focus, unless you are davening maariv every evening. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Malchut of Gevurah: Nobility . . . more »Judith | 04/27/06 at 11:31 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 25, 2006
Day 13 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Yesod of Gevurah: Bonding in Discipline. For discipline to be effective it must be coupled with commitment and bonding. Both in disciplining yourself and . . . more »Judith | 04/25/06 at 11:30 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 24, 2006
Day 12 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Hod of Gevurah: Humility in Discipline. The results of discipline and might without humility are obvious. The greatest catastrophes have occurred as a result . . . more »Judith | 04/24/06 at 11:28 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Day 11 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Netzach of Gevurah: Endurance in Discipline. Effective discipline must be enduring and tenacious. Is my discipline consistent or only when forced? Do I follow . . . more »Judith | 04/24/06 at 01:26 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 22, 2006
Day 10 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Tiferet of Gevurah: Compassion in Discipline. Underlying and driving discipline must not only be love, but also compassion. Compassion is unconditional love. It is . . . more »Judith | 04/22/06 at 11:24 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 21, 2006
Day 9 of counting the Omer
Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the omer here.) Gevurah of Gevurah: Discipline in Discipline. Examine the discipline factor of discipline: Is my discipline reasonably restrained or is it excessive? Do I have . . . more »Judith | 04/21/06 at 06:13 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 20, 2006
Shavuot countdown: Day 8 of counting the Omer
Pesach is over, but the omer counting continues for another 6 weeks. We have left the week of Chesed and now enter the week of Gevurah. (More on counting the omer here.) Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of . . . more »Judith | 04/20/06 at 10:40 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 19, 2006
Pesach Day 8, Shavuot countdown: Day 7 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: Malchut of Chesed: Nobility in Lovingkindness. Mature love comes with - and brings - personal dignity. An intimate feeling of . . . more »Judith | 04/19/06 at 11:39 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Let my people go!
All Pesach entries here. I was amiss in not mentioning before the Velveteen Rabbi's wonderful haggadah, in the fine tradition of activist haggadahs, marbled with contemporary poetry, which emphasize the theme of political liberation. Save a copy for next year. . . . more »Judith | 04/19/06 at 10:18 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 18, 2006
Pesach Day 7, Shavuot countdown: Day 6 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer:Yesod of Chesed: Bonding in Lovingkindness. For love to be eternal it requires bonding. A sense of togetherness which actualizes the . . . more »Judith | 04/18/06 at 11:36 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 17, 2006
Pesach Day 6, Shavuot countdown: Day 5 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: Hod of Chesed: Humility in Lovingkindness. You can often get locked in love and be unable to forgive your beloved . . . more »Judith | 04/17/06 at 09:28 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 16, 2006
Pesach Day 5, Shavuot countdown: Day 4 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer:Netzach of Chesed: Endurance in Lovingkindness. Is my love enduring? Does it withstand challenges and setbacks? Do I give and withhold . . . more »Judith | 04/16/06 at 11:39 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 15, 2006
To Eat or Not to Eat Kitniot on Passover?
All Pesach entries are here. Dovi Harel, an Ashkenazi man married to a Sephardi woman, motivated by the difficulty of eating at his in-laws on Passover (because of conflicting Passover traditions), proposes a people's revolution to get rid of the . . . more »Alcibiades | 04/15/06 at 11:39 PM | 8 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Pesach Day 4, Shavuot countdown: Day 3 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: (More on counting the Omer here.) Day 3 - Tiferet of Chesed: Compassion, Harmony in Lovingkindness. Harmony in love is . . . more »Judith | 04/15/06 at 10:22 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 14, 2006
Pesach Day 3, Shavuot countdown: Day 2 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries here. More on counting the omer here. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer: Gevurah of Chesed: Discipline in Lovingkindness. Healthy love must always include an element of discipline and discernment; a degree of . . . more »Judith | 04/14/06 at 10:02 PM | 0 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
They tried to kill us, they failed, let's eat . . .
. . . with the emphasis on "eat." All Pesach entries here. Treppenwitz got a taste (literally) of the ancient Pascal lamb sacrifice. Adloyada on the decision to buy your own Pesach ritual objects and dishes as a single woman, . . . more »Judith | 04/14/06 at 03:01 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 13, 2006
Pesach Day 2, Shavuot countdown: Day 1 of counting the Omer
All Pesach entries are here. The 2nd night of Pesach we begin the mystical, meditative discipline of counting the Omer, which re-enacts on a spiritual level each step in the journey from the liberation at the Red Sea to the . . . more »Judith | 04/13/06 at 10:01 PM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
More blooming seders
17 ways you know Pesach is coming in Jerusalem. Why is the Hallel on Pesach night different than all other Hallels? Deconstruct this phrase: An Aramean destroyed my father. And then there are the four sons, er, children, er, archetypes, . . . more »Judith | 04/13/06 at 08:34 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 12, 2006
Recycling Last Year's Passover Hidush
Since recycling old news into big stories is the current style, in lieu of something new, here's last year's thought about the structure of the Haggadah: So last night at the Seder as we were reading through the Haggadah, I . . . more »Alcibiades | 04/12/06 at 10:40 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 11, 2006
Pesach songs
All Pesach-related entries here. Mizrachi Pesach melodies Hassidic Pesach melodies. 12 versions of Echad Mi Yodea, from Morocco to Yemen to Hungary to Persia. . . . more »Judith | 04/11/06 at 07:58 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Let a thousand seders bloom
All Pesach-related entries are here. If you are still not sure just what you are going to do at your seder 40 hours from now, here are some resources (well, you can use them for the second night too; gives . . . more »Judith | 04/11/06 at 12:27 AM | 0 Comments | 2 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 10, 2006
Today in Passover Searches..
I've had some interesting searches recently, including: Passover+Kosher+ Marijuana And various forms of a classic from last year: Why is Coriander Considered Kitniot? Kitniot is an grouping of food that is not chometz, which is forbidden on Passover, but which . . . more »Alcibiades | 04/10/06 at 11:48 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
If the Passover Story Were Reported by The NY Times
I got this via email a few years ago. Although a few of the names have changed, unfortunately it hasn't aged much. The cycle of violence between the Jews and the Egyptians continues with no end in sight in Egypt. . . . more »Judith | 04/10/06 at 05:21 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 07, 2005
Simu Shemen
This year Hanukkah begins as Christmas ends, on the evening of December 25th. It would be unseemly to clear away the White House Christmas decorations that quickly, so the Presidential menorah lighting was bumped up a few weeks. (photographer: Carrie . . . more »Judith | 12/07/05 at 06:55 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 25, 2005
Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace
[ UPDATE: Barefoot Jewess on dancing with the Torah (and touching on what I love about Jewish men). ] Here in NYC we are putting on our long johns and Goretex and woolly mitts so we can dance in the . . . more »Judith | 10/25/05 at 02:26 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 24, 2005
The final seal
The culmination of all our rain-making perambulations took place this morning, and the 5766 Book of Life has been signed, sealed, and delivered . . . but wait! It's not over yet! Tomorrow we get to pray for rain again. . . . more »Judith | 10/24/05 at 02:31 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Bar Kochba was into Sukkot, and more
Before Zman Simchateynu leaves us to the gloom of cold and snow and shorter daylight hours, some more Sukkot links: Pesach is particularist, Sukkot is universal. The usual Jewish dialectic. Imshin's Sukkot holiday in the Gallilee, with photos. Via Miriam, . . . more »Judith | 10/24/05 at 02:21 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 20, 2005
Pri Eytz Hadar
I've never held a caption contest before, but I couldn't think of anything to say about this photo, so have at it. (Rather, I immediately thought of ten different mutually contradictory things to say, and I can't pick just one.) . . . more »Judith | 10/20/05 at 01:55 PM | 7 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Sukkah-hopping
All Sukkot entries here. All Yamim Noraim entries here. The halacha of sukkah-building, channeled through Dr Seuss. (via Rabbi Fleischmann) Here's how the Samaritans do it: This photo and more on the Samaritans by Muqata. Here's how the Brits do . . . more »Judith | 10/20/05 at 12:08 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 16, 2005
Sukkot shopping
Sukkot begins tomorrow night, and this morning I joined an expedition from the Upper West Side to the Lower East Side to buy the arba minim. Many people purchase sets of the appropriate items in Judaica stores or through . . . more »Judith | 10/16/05 at 11:36 PM | 3 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 22, 2005
Filler
In the pipeline: updates on Pesach, Columbia U, divestment-from-Israel initiatives, and more. Right now I have some sort of stomach bug and I am trying to sleep it off so I can enjoy the seders tomorrow and Sunday. In . . . more »Judith | 04/22/05 at 05:17 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 11, 2004
More Hanukkah
A hole in the family. The latest permutations of sofganiyot. Hanukkah as an adult holiday. UPDATE: More Hanukkah communing between the living and the dead in the Avrech household. UPDATE: I almost went to this but it was dark . . . more »Judith | 12/11/04 at 10:06 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 10, 2004
Hanukkiyah tour
Last year's entry. Menorah-lighting in Oxford. Meryl's hanukkiyah. Lynn's ASCII hanukkiyah. . . . more »Judith | 12/10/04 at 04:15 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 09, 2004
A political Hanukkah
Audacious Judith, that's me. . . . Last year's posts on the Maccabees and the joys of agency. And, sure, let's have a tie-in to this season's examples of freedom on the march. The main theme of Hanukkah is . . . more »Judith | 12/09/04 at 01:49 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 08, 2004
More stale Hanukkah posts from last year
My minyan isn't meeting on Shabbat Chanukkah this year. . . . more »Judith | 12/08/04 at 04:42 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
From the Oval Office
President Bush's 2004 Hanukkah proclamation: . . . more »Judith | 12/08/04 at 11:55 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
December 07, 2004
Dedicated
Hanukkah starts tonight. I will continue my lazy ways and refer you to my series of Hanukkah posts from last year. Start here. . . . more »Judith | 12/07/04 at 09:47 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 09, 2004
Taba
Simchat Torah is the glorious culmination of a week of what is supposed to be unadulterated joy and relaxation at completing the hard work of self-examination and teshuvah of Ellul and the Yamim Noraim. Of course (and it is . . . more »Judith | 10/09/04 at 08:13 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 06, 2004
Erev Shemini Atzeret
Gotta remember to light another yahrzeit candle. . . . Last year's posts for for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, and subjecting my unsuspecting aunt to 6 hours of frenzied singing and dancing. William discovers the adult joys of . . . more »Judith | 10/06/04 at 04:07 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
October 05, 2004
The last chance to slip through the gates
Last Saturday, the Shabbat of Sukkot we chanted Kohelet, and a year and a half ago I dug up quite a few links on that megillah when I was hosting "Carnival of the Vanities" and wanted to milk the . . . more »Judith | 10/05/04 at 03:22 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
September 30, 2004
Z'man Simchateinu
Sukkot is also known as "the season of our joy"; in fact, we are commanded to be happy during Sukkot. So here is an old corny Jewish joke to give you a giggle: . . . more »Judith | 09/30/04 at 02:29 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
September 29, 2004
Sukkot begins tonight
Today is the secular anniversary of my uncle's death; the yahrzeit is on Simchat Torah. My Sukkot post from last year. A fall harvest ritual from Temple days, being revived by the New Shul. I wish I'd seen this . . . more »Judith | 09/29/04 at 03:41 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
May 24, 2004
Virtual Shavuot pajama party
You need a certain critical mass of people (plus the will) for an all night tikkun, and Naomi Chana's and Rachel's respective congregations just don't have it. To their credit both of them are loyally helping lead their own . . . more »Judith | 05/24/04 at 09:51 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 13, 2004
Bamidbar
Pesach ended today at sundown, and here's an essay on one of the seder rituals to mark the occasion. (Today is the 8th day of counting the omer.) UPDATE: Patrick is also celebrating the end of Pesach, with bread . . . more »Judith | 04/13/04 at 11:01 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 11, 2004
While it's still Pesach. . . .
Matzoh jokes! . . . more »William | 04/11/04 at 01:21 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 06, 2004
D'oh!
Tonight at sundown the second day of Pesach begins, which means it's time to start counting the Omer, the "measured" days between Pesach and Shavuot. Worried that you might forget to count, and thereby miss out on the mitzvah? Now . . . more »Judith | 04/06/04 at 04:53 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 05, 2004
Ma nishtana ha leila ha ze
Where are you for seder this year? asks Imshin. I am an example of successful seder matching, being a guest at two different homes of shul members. Even people I know, and a short subway ride away, and who are . . . more »Judith | 04/05/04 at 03:53 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 04, 2004
Pesach begins tomorrow night
Passover: Why do we call it that? "Why name a holiday after one part of a single plague," asks Rabbi Max Weiman. "What about the other nine? What about the leaving of slavery for freedom? What about the splitting . . . more »Rachel | 04/04/04 at 07:55 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
April 01, 2004
Mmm. Matzah
I just went to my first community matzah bake at my shul. Making matzah is easy and fun. (We decided ours was made under "casual rabbinic supervision," since our rabbi was our enthusiastic matzah-baking instructor.) Some web-searching has revealed . . . more »Rachel | 04/01/04 at 08:52 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
Hannukah: "like a Western!"
Mel Gibson, already getting lashed by many Jews for his film "The Passion of the Christ," recently talked about tackling a more distinctly Jewish film--one about the festival of Hanukkah. "The Maccabees' family stood up and made war," said Gibson, . . . more »William | 04/01/04 at 08:29 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim
February 01, 2004
Bloggers of the Book, cont.
Naomi Chana's project, a virtual Jewish book discussion group by blog, is finally getting underway. More details here. (Also she's got a bunch of new posts up and writes one of the best Jewish blogs out there.) . . . more »Judith | 02/01/04 at 09:29 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim













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