Rosh Hashanah Reflections.

The month of Elul can really be seen as the call for peace between man and G-D. The relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people is a loving  yet there 613 commandments to be observed.  The month Elul  אלול can be viewed as an acronym of Hebrew letters:

א      אני

ל   לדודי

ו  ולדודי

ל        לי

“I am to my Master as my Master is to me”. This acronym of letters can be interpreted in many ways as we approach the High Holiday season. Rosh Hashanah starts on the first day of Tishrai for two days September 8, 2010 commencing in the evening.

The relationship of human beings and G-D has always been a loving yet complex arduous relationship. As a human being it is certainly not easy keeping promises or resolutions. Just look what happens to our diet or exercise plan. How long does the “good “behavior of a Jewish New Year resolution truly last?

During the appropriately named month “Elul” which is prior to Rosh Hashanah gives us the astounding opportunity to be penitent in earnest. Renew our faith and relationship with G-D. The occasion for self reflection can also provide the opportunity to improve relationships between friends and family.

In a way we can look at Elul as a gift from G-D.   Hashem gave us a month to reconcile our thoughts, review our “accounts” and prepare a plan of action for the approaching holy Jewish Holiday season. Upon reflection that a generous gift has bestowed upon us – the opportunity to improve ourselves we can improve our personal relations with the Master of the World.  As humans we aren’t in nature as forgiving in our frustrations and injustices to family, friends and business associates. We give one, two or threes strikes and as the saying goes “you’re out of the old ball game”.  Yet Hashem doesn’t treat the Jewish people in the same scrutiny that we treat others.  We are so lucky that each year we can to rejuvenate and cash in on a month of prospects. Each day as the Shofar Ram’s horn awakens us early in the morning we get the chance to make a “resolution for the day”. May the month of “Elul” resolutions earn each of us a Happy Healthy and Prosperous Sweet Jewish New Year.

Related posts:

1. Elul – The King is in the Field
2. Rosh Hashanah – Pomegranates Part I

The past week here in Israel (week of August 21, 2010) has reached peak temperatures that have not been seen since maybe the days of great leader Moses. Feeling the intense heat and humidity we can maybe relate to how arduous life was for the Jewish people in the desert. Yet to the heat there is an end; a break in the extreme high temperature. As to Bnai Yisrael  The Jewish people are about to be reminded as to the woes they endured in the desert and to the wondrous blessings to come.

The greatest biblical (Torah) leader in Jewish history was Moses (Moshe).  In Parsha Ki Tavo Moshe directed the nation’s attention to the realities of what it meant to live in the land of Israel.

The parsha has many topics that are relevant until today first fruits and donating at least 10% of one’s earnings to the poor. Both topics are special affirmation of G-D’s mastery over the land, and man’s responsibility to keep the commandments of G-D.

Moshe reiterates to the Jewish nation that Israel (Jewish nation) is to keep the Torah and G-D guarantees us praise and true blessings for accepting the status  “highest of all the nations”. (26:19) Upon crossing the Jordon, the Jewish Nation will publicly declare its affirmation of G-D’s covenant by: inscribing the Torah upon twelve stones; building them as a monument; and the ceremony of blessings and curses that is to take place between the opposing mountains, Grizim and Ayval.  Moshe continues to remind the Jewish Nation of all the wondrous miracles G-D has performed over the past forty years. Moshe realizes the Jewish nation may be apprehensive to the future and reminds them that G-D stood with the Jewish people in the past, present and the future.

Related posts:

1. Torah Bible Portion: “Parashat Ki Teitzei”

In 2010 there were 23 clinical tests for Pomegranate’s benefits that were processed and registered with the National Institute of Health. Pomegranate’s benefits were performed to see substantiate potential benefits in the areas of prostate cancer, diabetes and the common cold. Why the hype, the attraction and need to write and investigate the Pomegranate fruit? Hopefully Pomegranate’s benefits will be officially confirmed in the near future.

A custom among small children in Israel and throughout the world of Hebrew school or Jewish day schools is the counting of the “Rimon” or Pomegranate. The Torah or Holy Bible has 613 commandments or good deeds. Teachers and parents encourage Pre-school age children to count the seeds in Pomegranate. To see if anyone can find a Pomegranate with 613 seeds to correlate to the 613 commandments.  A 613 seeded Pomegranate has yet to be found, but the challenge is symbolic to show the importance of this lucky talisman of good luck.

Luck, mystics, amulet, good luck charm are a central theme among artists in Israel and the Middle East. Why? Pomegranates are rumored to bring fertility, health and endless luck.

Most homes throughout Greece, Middle East and Israel have multiple Pomegranate items adorning the walls, Pomegranate earnings, Pomegranate necklaces hanging Pomegranate amulets in a car, Pomegranate candle sticks and Pomegranate Kiddush cups. Happy Sweet  Jewish New Year (Shana Tova)from (www.JJudaica.com).

Related posts:

1. Rosh Hashanah – Pomegranates Part I
2. Rosh Hashanah 2010 – Time for Thoughts & Prayers

“If you see another person’s animal, you shall not hide from it; you must return it to the owner. If the owner is not known to you, then you should bring the object into your house, where it shall remain until the owner inquires after it, and you will return it to him. So shall you do for his donkey, his garment, or any lost article that you may find…” (Deut. 22:1-3)

Traveling by bus this week to Jerusalem I met a charming older lady “Esti” and started a conversation Esti was accompanied by her two stunning granddaughters age 8 & 6.  The granddaughters started telling me they were on their way to meet the head bus manager for the buses. They explained that an hour ago their grandmother “Esti” forgot her pocketbook on the bus. Esti explained to the bus depot manager what happened. He quickly called the driver to stop and inspect the bus. The Driver – Yossi, said “Betach” –“Sure it’s here”. Yossi said he would be returning to the station within two hours and Esti can come and get the bag after a quick identification to what’s in the bag.

This heartwarming and happy tale coincides with this weeks Parsha Ki Teitzei theme of returning lost objects to their owners. This weeks Parsha – Torah portion Ki Teitzei is packed with over twenty themes.  The mitzvah- good deed to return lost objects is one that can be taught to young children and carried throughout life to help one another.

Jewish Torah law 613 commandments “mitzvoth” require one to find the rightful owner, not hide from finding the owner and actively seeking the owner through means of hanging signs, internet postings or even communal announcements.

When a person loses something, even a trivial item like a junk pair of sun glasses it causes some distress. Even more distressing is losing one’s wallet.  Jewish law doesn’t subscribe to finders keepers losers weepers, the Torah actually rewards with a Mitzvah for finding the owners to a lost item.

Related posts:

1. Torah Bible Portion :Parshat Ki Tavo(Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)

The Pomegranate season has been used by many writers as a source of inspiration and motivation. Oscar Wilde A House of Pomegranates and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story The Pomegranate Seeds. Stories of hope, magical luck and possible “powers of protection” were written for the Pomegranate fruit.  The earliest recorded writings for Pomegranate’s were written in the Bible – Exodus, describing Pomegranate adornments on the robe of the High Priest. Pomegranate are integral part of Middle Eastern culture.

Related posts:

1. Rosh Hashanah – Pomegranates Part II
2. Rosh Hashanah 2010 – Time for Thoughts & Prayers

Ashton Kutcher a Kabbalah follower visited Israel and attended the birthday bash for founder of the Kabbalah Jerusalem Center Rabbi Shraga Berg.  Kutcher attended the party with fellow famous actors Bruce Wills, Demi Moore and daughter Scout Willis.

Kabbalah seems to be the 21^st century new age movement for spiritual and personal growth. Kabbalah – The new age movement has reached over three million people worldwide. Hollywood actors have joined the Kabbalah new age movement including; Ashton Kutcher, Madonna, Donna Karen, Mick Jagger, Roseanne Barr, Rosie O’Donnell and Britney Spears.

Kabbalah is Hebrew for “that which was received” aims to help work on the inner workings of the soul and of the divine worlds.  Kabbalah is being sought as a relationship builder to the Divine and within ones personal self. Kabbalah described as the enigmatic and mystical “learning’s” of the world. Kabbalah explores the nature of G-d and the universe. Traditionally Kabbalah could only be taught to Jewish men over 40 who had spent their lives studying Judaism. Kabbalah is now taught to men, women, young and old.

Kabbalah essentials include:

• Kabbalah Red strings bracelets
• Kabbalah necklaces for protection, wealth, love and health are the trendiest jewelry on college campuses and throughout Hollywood.

Rabbi Berg- the “birthday boy” started the center years ago with a perspective that Kabbalah was open for all regardless of social standing and could be taught simply. Kabbalah is based on the Zohar, an ancient text, intense and multifaceted, that contains a mystical debate of what G-D is. Rabbi Berg opened the Los Angeles Kabbalah center in 1984 and the parade of stars followed.

Kabbalah simply put is not a religion although more of a guide to real life questions. Why was I born? How can I be happier? How to achieve health? How to achieve wealth, personal contentment real pleasure and genuine happiness? Kabbalah is multi faceted and mysterious yet attainable. The many worldwide Kabbalah centers reach out to all those who embrace the divine in His 72 names and want to help those seeking life answers to life questions.

Anston Kutcher and his fellow Hollywood friends seem to agree there is something soothing, peaceful learning and practicing Kabbalah.  Kabbalah seems to be heartening and cheering to all those reaching out to embrace the love and warmth Kabbalah offers. Mediation, prayer, charitable deeds and acts of kindness are some of the fundamental values.  Strategically said the act of giving ones time at a children’s hospital can be felt ten fold back in good and happy vibes. Giving charity helps one to truly appreciate one’s talent and own materialistic accomplishment and not seek to be excessive.

Kabbalah mantra and principles are basic tents of those praying for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Rosh Hashanah- Jewish New Year. Kabbalah centers will hold services for the Jewish New Year. Shofars  and Pomegranate Talit will adorn the worshipers.

Related posts:

1. Kabbalah: What is it?
2. Kabbalah: What do these Kabbalah Prayers Mean?

Rosh Hashanah is also traditionally observed as an edible delight. Ashkenazim and Sephardim  Jews sit down to a blessing of food “Seder”. Rosh Hashanah gifts & items that will yield blessing of fertility , eating a pomegranate with 613 seeds so that we too may be as fertile as the many seeds. Part of the Rosh Hashanah “seder” is to eat a fish head, similarly we should be the head for the year and no the tail end! Rosh Hashanah has many edible traditions; some eat carrots to ward off our enemies. Some eat beets to beat our enemies away! Regardless of your personal traditional Rosh Hashanah is a sweet eating experience. Rosh Hashanah is a time for serious thought and prayer. Rosh Hashanah is observed with honey cakes, apple and honey and honey and challah. Rosh Hashanah we desire to begin with a sweet opening. Rosh Hashanah is awesome period for hope and change. Rosh Hashanah spiritually awakens our soul we remind ourselves of the importance of Rosh Hashanah via edible delights, Shofar and prayer

May this Rosh Hashanah year be the year of peace for Israel and all her inhabitants.

Related posts:

1. Rosh Hashanah – Pomegranates Part I
2. Rosh Hashanah – Pomegranates Part II
3. Ashton Kutcher’s Visit to Kabbalah Center in Israel

One of my favorite Jewish rituals is the Tashlich service. Literally, the Hebrew word tashlich means “you will cast away.” During the course of this ritual, Jews cast all their sins into water, an element that is always considered to be spiritually pure. The tashlich service can be either individually or with a group. Ideally the ceremony should be performed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah (unless it falls on Shabbat, as it does this year). However, the ritual can be performed anytime from Rosh Hashanah until the last day of Sukkot.

The Practice of Tashlich

The Tashlich was put into practice during the Middle Ages. The idea originates from a verse from the book of the prophet Micha: “And You will cast into the depths of the sea all their sins.” Verses from Micha, along with other Psalms are read during the course of Tashlich. The service is performed beside a body of water. Generally, any form of running water will do. A person may even perform this ritual in front of running tap water. However, it is more ideal for the ceremony to be performed beside a body of water containing fish. Many people have the custom of casting bread crumbs into water while performing the ritual.

The Spiritual Aspect of Fish

Fish are considered to be some of the holiest animals. Tzaddikim, righteous people, are said to reincarnate as fish. Thus, we perform this ritual near fish so we can learn important spiritual lessons from them. First of all, we learn and pray to be surrounded and protected in purity, just as fish are surrounded by the purity of water. We also pray that, just as the fish always have their eyes open, G-d will vigilantly watch over us with both eyes focused on our paths. Also, just as fish who swim free can be suddenly caught by nets, we too can be suddenly caught by the net of sins.

Water in Judaism

In Judaism, water is so pure an element that nothing, even our darkest sins, can taint it. In the time of the temple, many spiritual rituals were related to water. Today, we can personally tap into the purifying power of water all throughout the year by making good use of Jewish customs. Since our goal as humans is to infuse the physical with spirituality, it is important that we use the power of water to spiritually purify our bodies as much as possible.

Ritual Hand Washing – Netilat Yadaim

In Jewish tradition, the practice of ritualistically washing hands with water is very important. A ritual hand washing cup is used for this purpose. After waking up in the morning and after every time a person goes to the bathroom, a person can ritualistically wash their hands and pronounce a special blessing. Also, every time a person is about to start a meal where bread is eaten, there is another way they can ritualistically wash their hands and make a blessing. Thus, simply by washing our hands with water (using hand washing cups), we can elevate ourselves and the most mundane actions we do!

Mikveh: The Ritual Bath

The purifying aspect of water is also practiced through the ritual of the mikveh. A mikveh is a ritual Jewish bath. It can either be a man made, halachicaly designed bath with fresh flowing rain water that trickles into it, or it can be a natural body of water such as a river, ocean, or lake. It is customary for women to bathe in the mikveh once a month, 7 days after they complete the menstruation process. It is also advised that men bathe in the mikveh throughout the month, as much as possible. Mikveh baths are customarily taken before holy days, such as Shabbat. Prior to Yom Kippur, men and women both immerse in mikvehs, so as to spiritually cleanse themselves for the powerful day of cleansing that is to come.

Related posts:

1. Selichot: Preparation for the Day of Power

Here is are the 4  favorite Menorahs chosen by jJudaica.com team:

1. Tree of Life Menorah
   • Silver Plated
   • Remarkable Shape
   • Now on Sale

   

2. Contemporary Menorah
   • Silver Plated
   • Modern, Fresh Clean Look
3. Antique Look Menorah
   • Solver Plated (Oxidized)
   • Classic Decoration
   • 
4. Tree of  Life (Ceramic) Menorha
   • Colorful
   • Heavy looking

   

Also, we found this great video about “How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah” on you tube; Enjoy!

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1. Ten Great Ideas for Tu B’Av Gifts

Year of joy and happiness

Year of smiles and laughter

Year of prosperity and growth

Year of health

Year of success

Year of loooooooooove

Year of peace

A good year: a Shanha Tova

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• Related Blogs on Shanah Tova

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1. A Blast Into the Shofar