The Jewish Festivals
I enjoyed a marvellous second class with Dr. Deborah Weismann this morning. Dr. Weissman explored with our class the events which take place throughout the Jewish calendar which is similar to the lectionary of the Christian Church. The Jewish calendar follows its agrarian roots. Every significant feast or festival is associated with the seasons of the year and the activity on the land.
What is important to note is that the seasons refer to the seasons which occur in Israel. IN that way every Jewish person connects in a very deep way with the land of Israel wherever they may be in the world. In Israel there is really only two seasons: the rainy season, and the dry season.
There are a few notable festivals which are not biblically based such as Hanukkah which is a rather late additon to the Jewish calendar and is reflective of the human need to celebrate light in the midst of the darkness of the winter solstice. Many religions throughout time have observed celebrations of "light."
Associated with each festival is the "shabbat" or sabbath. The "shabbat" is a model for the feast days. Observant Jews very much look forward to "shabbat" the day on which the family gathers and the normal work of every day is set aside in favour of prayers, good food, and great conversations and leisure.. Dr. Weissman describes observing shabbat as the building of a cathedral in time. It is a richly rewarding occasion for the Jewish people. Dr. Weissman’s passion for the shabbat reminded me of Rabbi Perry Cohen’s teachings when he was among us several years ago. Under discussion in Israel today is the question about "how to fashion a meaningful shabbat for Israel?"
If you would like to explore the Jewish "shabbat" further go to
http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm
What is important to note is that the seasons refer to the seasons which occur in Israel. IN that way every Jewish person connects in a very deep way with the land of Israel wherever they may be in the world. In Israel there is really only two seasons: the rainy season, and the dry season.
There are a few notable festivals which are not biblically based such as Hanukkah which is a rather late additon to the Jewish calendar and is reflective of the human need to celebrate light in the midst of the darkness of the winter solstice. Many religions throughout time have observed celebrations of "light."
Associated with each festival is the "shabbat" or sabbath. The "shabbat" is a model for the feast days. Observant Jews very much look forward to "shabbat" the day on which the family gathers and the normal work of every day is set aside in favour of prayers, good food, and great conversations and leisure.. Dr. Weissman describes observing shabbat as the building of a cathedral in time. It is a richly rewarding occasion for the Jewish people. Dr. Weissman’s passion for the shabbat reminded me of Rabbi Perry Cohen’s teachings when he was among us several years ago. Under discussion in Israel today is the question about "how to fashion a meaningful shabbat for Israel?"
If you would like to explore the Jewish "shabbat" further go to
http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm
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