dwecjewishstudies.files.wordpress.com · Web viewSECTION 3. Sacredness in the Jewish Faith. Topic 3.1. Sacred Time; The Jewish life cycle. Description of Topic. The origins of the

SECTION 3 Sacredness in the Jewish FaithTopic 3.1 Sacred Time; The Jewish life cycleDescription of Topic

The origins of the Jewish calendar; The difference between a lunar and a solar calendar; How the Jewish year is structured; Jewish holidays within the calendar; The significance of the Jewish New Year and Solemn Day of Atonement; The biblical origins of the Passover holiday; The components of the Seder ritual on Passover night; The significance of the Passover celebration for Jewish faith; The origin and meaning of the Shavuot holiday; How certain holidays link to agriculture and respect for the land; The origins of Sabbath based on a biblical commandment; Key elements of Jewish observance of the Sabbath

Learning Outcomes

Explain the origins of the Jewish calendar; explain the difference between a lunar and solar calendar; locate significant dates on the Jewish calendar; Explain the meaning, historical basis, and contemporary celebration of one major and one minor Jewish holiday and their connections to the seasons and agriculture; describe how the Jewish New Year and Solemn Day of Atonement are marked by followers; name and summarise the biblical story in which the Passover has its origins; outline the key elements of the Seder ritual; explain the meaning of the Passover celebration for its followers; explain the origin of the Shavout and its meaning for followers; discuss how one of these holidays links to agriculture and respect for the land; name and explain the biblical text in which Jewish observance of Sabbath has its origins; summarise the key elements in preparation for and observance of the Sabbath; discuss the meaning of the Sabbath for Jewish religious life; write a paragraph on how two of these holidays are celebrated

SACRED TIME IN JUDAISM: The Jewish Calendar

SOLAR CALENDAR

Jewish Studies, DWEC, NCCA, DES 1

A solar calendar is a calendar whose dates indicate the position of the earth on its revolution around the sun and is based on the seasonal year of approximately 365 1/4 days, the time it takes the Earth to revolve once around the Sun.

LUNAR CALENDAR

A lunar calendar is a calendar that is based on the cycles of the lunar (moon) phase. Because there are about twelve lunations in a solar year, this period (354.37 days) is sometimes referred to as a lunar year.

CYCLE OF TIME IN JUDAISM

The cycle of time in Judaism is coordinated with the movement of the heavenly bodies, the moon in particular. In the words of the Kaddish, the prayer of sanctification of G-d’s name, ‘He who makes peace in the heights may make peace for us’, meaning that the heavens’ regular movements attest to the passage of Israel through the year, eternally. According to Jacob Neusner, this is the reason why the significant events of the story of Israel, observed as festivals, coordinate with the heavenly turning points in the year of nature.1

The Jewish calendar itself is based on a lunar year of twelve months of twenty-nine or thirty days. The Jewish year, therefore, comprises approximately 354 days. The shortage of eleven days between the lunar and solar years is made up by adding a thirteenth month in certain years. These months are signified by phases of the moon, from the new moon, which is the first day of the lunar month, to the full moon which is the fifteenth day of the lunar month. It continues to the end of the same lunar month and the cycle is repeated. Besides the lunar months into which the year is divided, the Jewish years are signified by the solar calendar: the solar equinoxes, in spring (21 March) and autumn (21 September), mark significant changes in the land of Israel itself at those times. Technically, therefore, the Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar.

In the Jewish tradition, creation marks the first year of the calendar. According to tradition, the first documented chronology was in the Seder Olam, attributed to a second-century sage Yose Ben Halafta. The calculation was based on biblical genealogical tables, the length of lives recorded in scripture and the

1 Jacob Neusner: Judaism: An introduction, p.8


creation of the world in six days. Based on these calculations, the creation of the world occurred in 3761 BCE. The names of the months in the Jewish year are of Babylonian origin. The days themselves begin at sunset and end at sundown of the following day.

Neusner investigates in detail the links between the lunar and solar cycles and their connection to the actual narrative relating to the key events of the people of Israel. Below is a layout of the Jewish year in Hebrew and the corresponding months in the civic calendar. The table is a snapshot of the year and the major feasts that occur in that time.


JEWISH CALENDAR AND TABLE OF FEASTS

TishriSept/Oct

Hesh-vanOct/Nov

KislevNov/Dec

TevetDec/Jan

ShevatJan/Feb

AdarFeb/Mar

NisanMar/Apr

IyyarApr/May

SivanMay/June

TammuzJune/July

AvJuly/Aug

ElulAug/Sept

1NewYearRosh

Hashanah

(Lev. 23:24-25)

1New Moon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1NewMoon

1New Moon

2Hanukkah

3Fast

of Gedallah5

Israel Indep.Day

6Feast of Weeks/

PentecostShavuot

(Lev.23:15-16)

9FastTishaB’Av

10Day of

AtonementYom

Kippur(Lev.

23:26-32)

10Fast

13Fast

15Pass-over

Pesach(Ex.12:

1-27)

7*Shavuot

14Purim(Bk of

Esther)

16*Pesach

15Feast of

TabernaclesSukkot(Lev.

23:33-43)

17Inter-med

festivaldays

18Lag ba-Omer

17Fast

16*

Sukkot

21Pesach

17Intermed

festival days

22*Pesach

22SheminiAzeret

23*Rejoicing

In theLaw

Simchat Torah(Num.29:35)

25-30 Hanukkah

(1 Macc 4:36-59)

30Jerusa-

lem Day

30New Moon

29 30Hanukkah

NewMoon

29 30NewMoon

29 30NewMoon

30NewMoon

29 30New Moon

29

Adapted from Jacob Neusner; *Festival day in Diaspora

Exercises:1. Describe the difference between a solar and a lunar calendar.2. To what event is the first year of the Jewish calendar related?


3. How is the calendar structured in Judaism?4. When does the Jewish month begin?5. When does the Jewish day begin?6. What influence have the solar equinoxes on the lunar calendar?7. What is the Jewish calendar equivalent of the months of

November/December?8. What is the first month of the Jewish calendar year?9. What is the Jewish calendar equivalent of the months of March/April?10. In which month of the Jewish calendar does the Jewish New Year/Rosh

Hashanah take place?

Key Facts about the Jewish Calendar:

‘He who makes peace in the heights may make peace for us’, meaning that the heavens’ regular movements attest to the passage of Israel through the year, eternally (From the Kaddish)

The significant events of the story of Israel, observed as festivals, coordinate with the heavenly turning points in the year of nature.

The Jewish calendar itself is based on a lunar year of twelve months of twenty-nine or thirty days.

The Jewish year, therefore, comprises approximately 354 days.

The shortage of eleven days between the lunar and solar years is made up by adding a thirteenth month in certain years.

These months are signified by the phases of the moon.

Besides the lunar months into which the year is divided, the Jewish years are signified by the solar calendar: the solar equinoxes, in spring (21 March) and autumn (21 September), mark significant changes in the land of Israel itself at those times.

The Jewish calendar can, therefore, be called a lunisolar calendar since it combines lunar phases and solar equinoxes.

ROSH HASHANAH

The autumn equinox marking the equality of day and night, is the starting point for the Jewish new year. This time heralds the new harvest, the gathering in of the fruits of the earth. For the Jews, it is the new year or Rosh Hashanah which according to the Bible was to be observed as a holy day accompanied by the sound of the shofar ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a holy day commemorated with loud blasts.’2 The new

2 Leviticus 23:24


year is an opportunity for reflection, repentance and a new start. It is a high holiday.

Jewish new year is presently celebrated over two days both in Israel and the diaspora. Rosh Hashanah is also known as Yom Ha-Din, Judgement Day, and as Yom Ha-Zikaron, Remembrance Day, as G-d remembers all his creatures on that day.3 The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25: The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of sabbath rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts. Do no regular work, but present a food offering to the Lord.’

The shofar, usually made from the horn of a ram, is sounded 100 times each of these days with particular variations.4 It signifies a wake up call to repentance according to Maimonides (1135-1204; Jewish philosopher): ‘Awake from your slumbers, yet who have fallen asleep in life, and reflect on your deeds. Remember your Creator. Be not of those who miss reality in pursuit of shadows, and waste their years in seeking

after vain things which neither profit nor save. Look well to your own souls and improve your character. Forsake each one of you his evil ways and thoughts.’5

In the Mishnah, this is the day when all human being pass before the judgment of G-d. Judgment commences with Rosh Hashanah and one’s fate is sealed on Yom Kippur. The Talmud states that at this time of Rosh Hashanah, there are ‘three ledgers opened in heaven: one for the completely righteous who are immediately inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life; another for the thoroughly wicked who are recorded in the Book of Death; and a third for the intermediate, ordinary type of person whose fate hangs in the balance and is suspended until the Day of Atonement.’6 ‘On Rosh Hashanah will be inscribed and on Yom Kippur will be sealed how many will pass from the earth and how many will be created; who will live and who will die; who will die at his predestined time and who before his time; who by water and who by fire, who by sword, who by beast, who by famine, who by thirst, who by storm, who by plague, who by strangulation, and who by stoning. Who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer, who will be impoverished and who will be enriched, who will be degraded and who will be exalted’ (From U’netaneh Tokef prayer of Rosh Hashanah) but through genuine repentance, prayer, and charity, that fate can be changed. The emphasis is on human responsibility and the potential for change as we face the judgement of the Creator.

3 Gilbert, Martin: Letters to Aunt Fori, p. 2734 The horn of a sheep, goat or antelope may be used, but not the horn of a cow with its allusion to idol worship when the Golden Calf was sculpted and worshipped by the Israelites while Moses spoke with G-d on Mount Sinai. The ram’s horn calls to mind the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, when the ram was caught in the bushes and became the alternative sacrifice thus saving Isaac’s life.5 Gilbert: p. 2756 Dan Cohn-Sherbok: Op. Cit. p. 515


Synagogue services on these days are characterised by the colour white adorning the Torah scroll mantles, the Ark curtain and the bimah. Those who officiate at the synagogue services also wear white.

Prayers focus on G-d’s kingship, providence and revelation. Torah readings recall the birth of Isaac (Gen.12:1-24), the Akedah or the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-24), the birth of Samuel (1 Sam 1:29-2:10) and his dedication to G-d’s service, and Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the restoration of Israel (Jer. 31:2-20). Marcia Pravder Mirkin states that, ‘On Rosh Hashanah we read the tragic and transforming family story of Sarah, Hagar, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac. We read it on a holiday that emphasizes teshuvah, turning around, becoming a better person, living a life closer to what G-d wants from us. How can we experience teshuvah?...teshuvah needs to include empathy, empathetic listening, paying attention, hearing beyond words to the soul and meaning of what is uttered...On Rosh Hashanah we ask G-d to be empathetic toward us, even tough empathy was so often lacking in ourselves.’

Special foods are eaten –challah (bread used normally for the Sabbath), fish, pomegranates, and apple dipped in honey expressing hope for a year filled with sweetness and G-d’s blessing. A ceremony called Tashlikh is often carried out on the first or second day of Rosh Hashanah. It is customary for Jews to go to a place with flowing water and symbolically cast their sins into the water while reciting the verse from Micah

7:19 ‘You shall cast all our sins into the depths of the sea,’ and praying for G-d’s forgiveness. According to ancient tradition, flowing water is chosen for this ritual because ‘the fish, whose eyes never close, remind us of the ever-watchful eyes of G-d who is looking down on his creatures on earth - in mercy.’7

Exercise1. What biblical text refers to Rosh Hashanah?2. When does it take place?

7 Gilbert: p. 276


3. Rosh Hashanah is also known as Yom Ha-Din or Yom Ha-Zikaron. What do these terms mean?

4. Why are these terms used?5. What is the significance of the Shofar?6. Why is white worn on Rosh Hashanah?7. On what do the prayers focus on Rosh Hashanah?8. According to the Talmud, what are the three ledgers open on that day and

what do they record?9. What biblical figures are recalled on those days? Why?10. Why is teshuvah so important for this feast?11. What are the three things which can change G-d’s judgement of the living?12. What are the foods associated with Rosh Hashanah? Explain your answer.13. What is the customary greeting for Rosh Hashanah?14. Discuss the relevance of Tashlikh for contemporary Judaism.

In each of the following pictures, name the symbol and explain its significance in the celebration of Rosh Hashanah:

1.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


3.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


6 . Outline three important emphases in the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

YOM KIPPUR

The Ten Days of Penitence, also known as the Days of Awe, begin with Rosh Hashanah and finish at the end of Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur takes place on the 10th of Tishri. Leviticus 16 gives details about the rituals to be carried out on Yom Kippur. Leviticus 16:31 declares that this day is a ‘sabbath of solemn rest’ where all work is forbidden. In the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, Yom Kippur was the only day when the High Priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies offering sacrifices ‘to make expiation for his own sins and those of the priestly house.’8 The offering of the bull (Lev 16:6) was ‘...a sin offering for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house’.

Before the high priest could atone for the sins of the nation, he had to be cleansed, to be made free from sin before the Lord, for the nation’s offering to be acceptable - otherwise he may impart his own sin to the spotless and sinless offering when he laid his hands upon it.

Two male goats were given to the high priest by the congregation of the people of Israel. These represented their offering to G-d to make atonement for their sin (Lev 16:5). Lots were cast over the two goats (Lev 16:7-10), one

being designated ‘for the Lord’ (a red thread was bound about its neck - Yoma 4:2), the other ‘for Azazel’ (a red thread was bound about its head - Yoma 4:2). This took place before the first sacrifice (the bull) was slaughtered. It was the High Priest’s role to send the scapegoat, symbolically representing the sins of the people, into the wilderness. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the sacrifices and rituals formerly so important had ceased, and the role of the people was given new emphasis, particularly their confession of sin, their repentance and their desire for forgiveness.9

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Some pious Jews immerse themselves in a mikveh or ritual bath, to purify themselves before the fast. It is a fast day of twenty-five hours for every male over thirteen years of age and every female over twelve. Those who are sick are not bound by this regulation. The obligation to fast extends from sunset until nightfall the next evening. Abstinence from food, drink, and marital relations are prescribed. The wearing of leather shoes, the use of cosmetics and lotions, and washing the body except for the fingers and eyes are also prohibited.

8 Leviticus 16:6, 11, 17; Michael Maher: Introduction to the Beliefs and Practices of the Jews, p. 819 Maher: p. 82


Yom Kippur is a day for atoning for sins against G-d. Regarding offences committed against others, in the Jewish tradition pardon cannot be obtained unless forgiveness has been requested from the person offended. Therefore Yom Kippur is traditionally a day when Jews will seek reconciliation from those they have offended in the previous year. The Kaparot ritual, which takes place in some Hasidic communities the day before Yom Kippur, is a ritual which signifies the whole idea of atonement. This ritual involves taking a chicken (a rooster for a man and a hen for a woman) or money in the right hand and revolving it over the head three times while reciting a prayer. The prayer finishes with the following declaration: ‘This is my exchange, this is my substitute, this is my atonement. This chicken will go to its death (or, if using money, ‘this money will go to charity’) while I will enter and proceed to a good long life, and peace.’

On Yom Kippur various services take place. The colour white adorns the bimah, Ark curtain and Torah scroll mantles. Those officiating in the synagogue wear a white shroud or kittel. This symbolises the purity the people wish to achieve on this holy day. According to one rabbinical tradition quoted in Martin Gilbert’s Letters to Aunt Fori ‘When men are summoned before an earthly ruler to defend themselves against some charge, they appear downcast and

dressed in black, like mourners. The Israelite appears before G-d on Atonement Day dressed in white, as if going to a feast; because he is confident that, as soon as he returns penitently to his Maker, He will not condemn, but will abundantly pardon.’ Confession of sins is an integral part of all these services. The Al Chet, as it is called, can be confession of individual offences or it can be a communal confession which focuses on the communal responsibility. Special importance is attached in the liturgy to the Avinu Malkenu prayer where individuals confess their sins and pray for forgiveness. Music used in the liturgies is plaintive and reflective in mood.

The first service, Kol Nidre (declaration of annulment of vows) takes place on the eve of the feast. The Kol Nidre is sung in Aramaic, and not in the traditional Hebrew. This service dispenses Jews from personal vows which they have made to G-d in the last year. It does not refer to vows which are made in civil law courts. The evening service which follows Kol Nidrei consists of the Half-Kaddish, the Shema, the Amidah, the confession of sins, and special additional prayers (piyyutim) which are said only on the night of Yom Kippur.

The Shacharit (Morning service) consists of the morning prayers, the Shema, the Amidah, the reading of the Torah. The morning service also includes the

Yizkor service. The Yizkor service is recited by those who have lost either one or both of their parents. Others leave the synagogue until the completion of the Yizkor service; the reason for this is to advocate long life for the living parents.


The Musaf (additional) service which occurs immediately after the morning service consists of the Musaf Amidah, the cantor's repetition of the Amidah, the avodah - a recounting of the Yom Kippur service in the Holy Temple - and the priestly blessing. The Avodah recounts the Temple rituals for Yom Kippur before the destruction of the Temple (from Leviticus 16). It has a profound symbolism because it recalls a Temple ceremony involving the holiest person among the Jewish people (the High Priest), a ceremony that took place on the holiest day of the Jewish year (Yom Kippur) and the location of the ceremony took place in the holiest place associated with Judaism (the Temple).

The priests, or kohanim, direct descendants of Aaron, the High Priest, are commanded to bless the Jewish people with a three-fold blessing. It is customary to perform this duty during the Musaf service on festival days. During the blessing, one must not gaze at the Priests directly as the Divine Presence rests upon them. It is customary for men to cover their eyes with their prayer shawls, and for women to gaze into their prayer books.

The afternoon service – Mincha or Minha - consists of the Torah reading, the Amidah prayer, the cantor's repetition of the Amidah, the recital of Avenu Malkeinu ("Our Father, Our King"). The Book of Jonah is the main focus of this service. The Book features the prophet Jonah and the evil deeds of the people of Nineveh. The text with particular significance for Yom Kippur is the following: ‘When G-d saw how they (the Ninevites) turned from their evil ways, G-d changed his mind about the calamities that he said he would bring upon them’ (the people of Nineveh).10 The emphasis here is on the G-d who was merciful to the Ninevites. Consequently, if G-d was merciful to the Ninevites, then surely G-d would forgive those who are genuinely repentant.

Neilah is the final service of the day. Apparently this term Neilah meaning ‘closing’ had its roots in the closing of the doors of the Temple on Yom Kippur. This is the last opportunity to appeal for the mercy and forgiveness of G-d and prayers suggest this: ‘Oh, have mercy on us…open the gate for us at this time of closing of the gate …forgive, pardon, have compassion …’11 As the day of Yom Kippur comes to a close, and their future is being sealed, they turn to G-d to accept their sincere repentance and new resolutions, and ask that G-d seal them in the Book of Life, granting them a new year full of goodness and happiness. The Ark remains open for the entire Neilah service, signifying that the Gates of Heaven are wide open to their prayers. This leads to the proclamation of the Shema Israel (Deut. 6:4). Proclamations of G-d’s sovereignty are recited three times. ‘The Lord is G-d’ is said seven times in a crescendo which gets very loud the last time. The Kaddish is then recited. The shofar is blown again and the day comes to a close, ending the Ten Days of Penitence also. The whole congregation recite in unison ‘Next year in Jerusalem’.

After the service it is customary to begin the construction of the booth or sukkah in preparation for Sukkot. A festive meal follows, and it is a religious duty on that night to enjoy oneself and to eat well.

10 Jonah 3:10; Maher: p. 8511 Maher: p. 85


Exercise1. When does Yom Kippur take place?2. What does the phrase Yom Kippur mean?3. Who is expected to observe the fast?4. Why is Yom Kippur estimated to be the holiest day of the Jewish calendar?5. Where is the biblical reference about Yom Kippur?6. What occasion is recalled from the practices of the Jerusalem Temple?7. What was the significance of the goats and the red bull on Yom Kippur in

the Temple?8. Where are the links to these practices to be found in the liturgies of Yom

Kippur?9. What are the five prayer services of Yom Kippur? Explain the focus of

each service.10. What is the main focus of the day?11. What is the significance of the Kaparot ritual to Yom Kippur?12. Discuss the difference Yom Kippur makes to one’s own life, one’s

relationship with G-d, and one’s relationship with others?

PESACH/PASSOVER

Passover is one of the three Pilgrim Festivals where male Jews are told to go to a designated place and ‘appear before G-d’:

PESACH (Passover) Remembering when G-d freed the Jews from slavery

SHAVUOT (Festival of Weeks/Pentecost)Remembering when the fruits of the earth were brought to the Temple

SUKKOT (Feast of Tabernacles/Booths)Remembering the temporary dwellings in which the Jewish people lived as they

crossed the desert

The name "Pesach" (PAY-sahch, with a "ch" as in the Scottish "loch") comes from the Hebrew root Pei-Samekh-Cheit , meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that G-d "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In English, the holiday is known as Passover. "Pesach" is also the name of the sacrificial offering (a lamb) that was made in the Temple on this holiday.

CORE TEXT for OBSERVANCEExodus 12:14-17

And this day shall become a memorial for you, and you shall observe it as a festival for the Lord, for your generations, as an eternal decree shall you observe it. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove the leaven


from your homes ... you shall guard the unleavened bread, because on this very day I will take you out of the land of Egypt; you shall observe this day for your generations as an eternal decree.

Pesach is known as:

1. Passover: The term ‘Passover’ is also applied to the Passover sacrifice which took place on 14th of Nisan (usually around March/April), its flesh was roasted and eaten together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Hag ha-Matzot (Unleavened bread). It was used on the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. No dough was used because there wasn’t time to let it rise. Since that time, unleavened bread is always used for Passover. No leaven (raising agent) is to be kept in the house. All is to be removed. All vessels used for leavening must be put away. In their place, Jews must use a complete set which is only used for Passover. Although no leaven may be eaten during this time, the obligation to eat matzah applies only to the first two nights during the seder service.

3. The Season of our Freedom: Zeman Herutenu (The Season of our Freedom). This refers to the deliverance of Israelite people from Egyptian slavery and the emergence of the Jewish people as a separate nation.

4. The Festival of Spring: The month of Nisan is described in Scripture as the month when ears of barley begin to ripen. A measure of barley (omer) was brought to the Temple on the day of Passover. Only when this was done could food be made from the new barley harvest.

ExerciseDiscuss the difference in emphasis which is given to each of the names for Pesach.

THE STORY: BRIEFLY …The Hebrews were enslaved under the Pharaoh of Egypt. They grew strong and their number posed a threat. Pharaoh oppressed them, exploited them, built his cities with their slave labour. Moses pleaded on behalf of the people for their freedom.

The Pharaoh refused to let the people of Israel leave Egypt, even though Moses appealed several times.

With each plea, the Pharaoh’s heart grew harder and he became more obstinate.


G-d sent ten plagues to give the Pharaoh opportunity to change his mind.

Blood Darkness Disease Hail Darkness Locusts Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Blood Hail Darkness Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Disease Blood Darkness Disease Hail Darkness Locusts Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Blood Hail Darkness Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Disease Blood Darkness Disease Hail Darkness Locusts Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Blood Hail Darkness Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs DiseaseHail Darkness Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Disease Blood Darkness Disease Hail Darkness Locusts Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Blood Hail Darkness Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Disease Blood Darkness Disease Hail Darkness Locusts Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Blood Hail Darkness Lice Boils Wild Animals Frogs Disease Boils Darkness Wild Animals Frogs Locusts Blood Lice Disease

The last plague was the death of all the first-born males of Egypt.

The Israelites sprinkled the lintels over their doors with the blood of the lambs which were sacrificed and so their occupants were saved from death. The angel of death, recognising the blood on the door-posts, passed over the houses of the Israelites. Pharaoh then agreed to release them.

The full story of the Exodus is recounted in Exodus, chapters 1-15.

THE STORY: IN SUMMARYhttp://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/269337/jewish/Exodus.htm

Arrival in Egypt

Jacob and his children had arrived in Egypt to be close Joseph; he was second in command to King Pharaoh, and with his ingenuity had saved the people of Egypt, and by extension those from neighboring countries, from death by famine. Jacob and his children were settled in the city of Goshen and prospered wonderfully--their numbers grew and grew.

As long as Jacob's son's are alive, the Children of Israel are accorded honor and respect, but after the passing of Joseph, "There arose a new king in Egypt who knew not Joseph"--some commentaries say, chose not to know Joseph--"And he said to his people. 'Behold the Children of Israel are more and mightier than we. Come, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply...'"(Exodus 1:8-10).

Enslavement

The Egyptians' way of dealing with their "Jewish Problem" is to enslave the Jews. They are all forced into backbreaking labor, compelled to build cities of treasure houses for Pharaoh. But still, the Jews continue to multiply, to Pharaoh's eyes, at


an ever frightening pace. To put a stop to this, Pharaoh summons the Jewish midwives, Shifra and Puah, and commands them to kill all Jewish newborn males. This, he is certain, will put an end to the propagation of this race. When the midwives defy his order, he commands that they cast all the newborn males into the Nile--his stargazers had predicted that the savior of the Jews would die through water--and Pharaoh hopes his plan will ensure an early death for any potential Jewish leader.

Moses' Birth

Jocheved, the wife of the Levite Amram, gives birth to a son. Because he is born three months early, she is able to conceal him for that amount of time. When she can no longer hide him, she builds a small water-proof cradle and puts her child on the brink of the Nile. The child's sister, Miriam, hides among the brush to watch the child.

Pharaoh's daughter comes to bathe in the river when she sees the floating cradle. When she opens it and sees the weeping baby, she realizes that this is a Jewish child, but her compassion is aroused and she resolves to take the baby home. She names him Moses "he who was drawn from the water."

Miriam approaches the princess and offers to find a wet-nurse for the baby. When Pharaoh's daughter accepts, Miriam brings her Jocheved, whom Pharaoh's daughter hires to nurse and care for the child. When Moses grows older, he is returned to the palace, where Pharaoh's daughter raises him like a son.

Moses is appointed leader

As a young man, Moses leaves the palace and discovers the hardship of his brethren. He sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and kills the Egyptian. The next day he sees two Jews fighting; when he admonishes them, they reveal his deed of the previous day, and Moses is forced to flee to Midian. There he rescues Jethro's daughters, marries one of them – Zipporah - and becomes a shepherd of his father-in-law's flocks.

In the meantime, the plight of the Children of Israel in Egypt worsens, "and their cry rose up to G-d."

As Moses is shepherding his flock, he comes upon a burning bush, in which G-d appears to him and instructs him to go to Pharaoh and demand: "Let My people go, so that they may serve Me." Moses objects, citing a speech defect he acquired while in the palace, and so Moses' brother, Aaron, is appointed to serve as his spokesman. In Egypt, Moses and Aaron assemble the elders of Israel to tell them that the time of their redemption has come. The people believe; but Pharaoh refuses to let them go and even intensifies the suffering of Israel. He increases the burden of labor on his Hebrew slaves, commanding their taskmasters to cease bringing the Israelites straw to make the bricks. Now, they must go to the fields to collect the straw themselves, but maintain the same quota of brick production.


Moses can no longer bear the pain of his brethren; he turns to G-d saying, "Why have You done evil to this people?" G-d promises that the redemption is close at hand, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land."

G-d then reveals Himself to Moses. Employing the "four expressions of redemption," He promises to take out the Children of Israel from Egypt, deliver them from their enslavement, redeem them and acquire them as His own chosen people at Mount Sinai; He will then bring them to the Land He promised to the Patriarchs as their eternal heritage.

The Ten Plagues

Moses and Aaron repeatedly come before Pharaoh to demand in the name of G-d, "Let My people go, so that they may serve Me in the wilderness." Pharaoh repeatedly refuses. Aaron's staff turns into a snake and swallows the magic sticks of the Egyptian sorcerers.

Pharaoh still refuses to let the Jews go. Moses warns him that G-d will smite Egypt. Pharaoh remains impervious. G-d begins to send a series of plagues upon the Egyptians. In the throes of each plague, Pharaoh promises to let the Children of Israel go; but he reneges the moment the affliction is removed.

1) Aaron strikes the Nile, the waters turn to blood;2) Swarms of frogs overrun the land;3) Lice infest all men and beasts. Still, Pharaoh remains stubborn;4) Hordes of wild animals invade the cities,5) a pestilence kills the domestic animals,6) painful boils afflict the Egyptians.7) Fire and ice combine to descend from the skies as a devastating hail. Still, "the heart of Pharaoh was hardened and he would not let the children of Israel go; as G-d had said to Moses."

The people of Egypt have suffered too much. They beg Pharaoh to let the Jews go. When Moses comes to warn Pharaoh of the eighth plague, Pharaoh says: You say that you want to go serve your G-d? I'll let the men go, as long as the women and children stay behind. No, says Moses, we must all go, men women and children, cattle and herds. Pharaoh once again refuses.

The next plagues descends upon Egypt. 8) a swarm of locusts devours all the crops and greenery;9) a thick, palpable darkness envelops the land.

The Israelites are instructed to bring a "Passover offering" to G-d: a lamb or kid is to be slaughtered and its blood sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel of every Israelite home, so that G-d should pass over these homes when He comes to kill the Egyptian firstborn. The roasted meat of the offering is to be eaten that night together with matzah (unleavened bread) and bitter herbs.

Then G-d brings the tenth plague upon Egypt,10) all the firstborn of Egypt are killed at the stroke of midnight of the 15th of the month of Nissan.

The Exodus


The death of the firstborn finally breaks Pharaoh's resistance and he literally begs the Children of Israel to leave his land. Following G-d's command, they hastily depart; so hastily that there is no time for their dough to rise, and the only provisions they take along are unleavened. Before they go, they ask their Egyptian neighbors for gold, silver and garments, emerging from Egypt a wealthy nation.

The Children of Israel are commanded to observe the anniversary of the Exodus each year by removing all leaven from their possession for seven days, eating matzah, and telling the story of their redemption to their children.

Soon after allowing the Children of Israel to depart from Egypt, Pharaoh chases after them to force their return, and the Israelites find themselves trapped between Pharaoh's armies and the sea. G-d tells Moses to raise his staff over the water; the sea splits to allow the Israelites to pass through, and then closes over the pursuing Egyptians. Moses and the Children of Israel sing a song of praise and gratitude to G-d.

PREPARATIONS FOR PESACH

Removal of ChametzAll traces of chametz must be removed from the house.Chametz includes anything made from the five major grains: wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt.

This is because they are either used in making bread or they are grown or processed near chametz.

This removal also means extensive scrubbing and cleaning of the house, going over the edges of the cooker and fridge with a toothpick and a cotton-bud, covering all surfaces that come in contact with food with foil or shelf-liner.

The morning before Seder meal, the last of any remaining Chametz is removed and burned in a fire.

FastingThe day before Pesach is the Fast of the Firstborn, a minor fast for all firstborn males, commemorating the fact that the firstborn Jewish males in Egypt were not killed during the final plague.

SEDER MEAL

On the eve of the 15th Nisan in the Jewish calendar, a book called the hagaddah is read. Hagaddah meaning "telling," which contains the order of prayers, rituals, readings and songs for the Pesach seder. The Pesach seder is the only ritual meal in the Jewish calendar year for which such an order is prescribed, hence its


name.

The seder has a number of scriptural bases:

Exodus 12:3-11 describes the meal of lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs which the

Israelites ate just prior to the Exodus.

In addition, three separate passages in Exodus: Exodus 12:26-7, Exodus 13:8, Exodus 13:14

and Deuteronomy 6:20-21

tell of the duty of the parents to recount the story of the Exodus to their children.

On the first night of Pesach, families have a seder meal together. Seder means order, and refers to the order of the manner in which the different parts of the meal are celebrated. The seder plate contains various symbolic foods referred to in the seder itself.

1. Kaddesh: Sanctification

A blessing is recited over wine in honor of the holiday. The wine is then drunk.

A second cup is then poured (but not yet drunk).

2. Urechatz: WashingParticipants wash their hands without a blessing in preparation for eating the Karpas (vegetables)

3. Karpas: Vegetable

A vegetable (usually parsley) is dipped in salt water and eaten. The vegetable symbolizes the lowly origins of the Jewish people; the salt water symbolizes the tears shed as a result of our slavery.


4. Yachatz: BreakingThe middle of the three matzot on the table is broken into two pieces. The smaller part is returned to the pile, the larger one is set aside for the afikoman.

5. Magid: The Story A retelling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt and the first Pesach. This begins with the youngest person asking The Four Questions, a set of questions about the proceedings designed to encourage participation in the seder. The Magid is designed to satisfy the needs of four different types of people: the wise one, who wants to know the technical details; the wicked one, who excludes himself (and learns the penalty for doing so); the simple one, who needs to know the basics; and the one who is unable to ask, who doesn't even know enough to know what he needs to know. At the end of the Magid, a blessing is recited over the second cup of wine and it is drunk.

6. Rachtzah: Washing Participants wash their hands again, this time with a blessing, in preparation for eating the matzah.

7. Motzi: Blessing over grain products The ha-motzi blessing, the blessing for bread or grain products used as a meal, is recited over the matzah.

8. Matzah A blessing specific to matzah is recited, and a bit of matzah is eaten.

9. Maror A blessing is recited over a bitter vegetable (usually raw horseradish; sometimes romaine lettuce), and it is eaten. This symbolizes the bitterness of slavery. The maror is dipped charoset. Charoset is a smooth mixture of various chopped fruits including apples, and nuts, as well as wine and spices. It represents the mixture of clay and straw from which the Israelites made the mortar for building during their time in bondage. It also calls to mind the women of Israel who bore their children in secret beneath the apple trees of Egypt.

10.Korech: The Sandwich In honour of Rabbi Hillel, from the time of Herod, Jews eat some maror on a piece of matzah, with some charoset. This is the Korech.

11.Shulchan Orech: Dinner


A festive meal is eaten. Among Ashkenazi Jews, gefilte (stuffed) fish and matzah ball soup are traditionally eaten at the beginning of the meal. Roast chicken or turkey are common as traditional main courses, as is beef brisket.

12. Tzafun: The Afikoman (Dessert) The piece of matzah set aside earlier is eaten as "dessert," the last food of the meal. Different families have different traditions relating to the afikoman. Some have the children hide it, while the parents have to either find it or ransom it back. Others have the parents hide it.

13. Barech: Grace after meals The third cup of wine is poured, and birkat ha-mazon (Grace after Meals) is recited. This is similar to the Grace that would be said on any Shabbat, but with the special insertion for Pesach.

At the end, a blessing is said over the third cup and it is drunk. The fourth cup is poured, including a cup set aside for the prophet Elijah, who is supposed to herald the Messiah, and is supposed to come on Pesach to do this. The door is then opened to invite Elijah into their homes.

14. Hallel: Praises Psalms 113-118 are recited at this point. A blessing is recited over the last cup of wine and it is drunk

15.Nirtzah: Closing

A simple statement that the seder has been completed, with a wish that next year, we may celebrate Pesach in Jerusalem (i.e., that the Messiah will come within the next year). This can be followed by various traditional songs, hymns and stories.

Exercises

What is happening in this picture?

Why does it have a connection with Pesach?

What is the biblical text associated with Pesach?

When does Pesach take place? (Give months from the Jewish and Gregorian calendars)

By what other names is Pesach known?

In each case, describe the significance of that name.


STORY BOARD OF PESACH

Draw a story board of the biblical account of Pesach in the following squares below so that someone who is not familiar with the story will have some idea of what is happening. Be sure to mention the key figures of the story. (By the way, you don’t have to be Michelangelo to do this! Stick drawings will be just fine!)


What is the significance of the following characters and events surrounding them in the story of the Exodus?

Characters: _______________________________________________________________________________Events: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Characters: _______________________________________________________________________________Events: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How is the Exodus commemorated in the Jewish community?Name and summarise the story which has the Passover has its origins.

What is the important meal which takes place during Pesach?

Here are the components of the meal:

Kaddesh, Urechatz,Karpas, Yachatz,

Maggid, Rachtzah,Motzi, Matzah,

Maror, Korekh,Shulchan Orekh,

Tzafun, Barekh,Hallel, Nirtzah

Match the following pictures from that meal and explain their significance:

Name:___________________________________________________________________


Significance:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:___________________________________________________________________

Significance:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________________

Significance:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________________

Significance:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________________


Significance:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________________

Significance:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________________

Significance:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pesach/Passover Recipes and Preparing a Seder Plate

If you would like a Jewish culinary experience, here’s something from the different traditions in Judaism.

Traditional Ashkenazi Charoset(From http://kosherfood.about.com/od/sedermenurecipes/r/charoset_cindy.htm)Five apples, skin removed, 1 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 5 tablepoons sugar, 1 cup red wine, 2 teaspoons cinnamon

In a food processor, chop apples. Put chopped apples in a large bowl. Add the chopped nuts, sugar, wine and cinnamon.

Traditional Sephardi Charoset(From http://www.jewcy.com/religion-and-beliefs/how_make_charoset)


http://www.jewcy.com/religion-and-beliefs/how_make_charoset

Sephardi charoset usually contains dates, and is a little chunkier than its Ashkenazi cousin. 4 oz dates, 4 oz figs, 4 oz apricots, 4 oz raisins, 1 apple, peeled and cored, 1 cup walnuts or almonds, ground, 1 tablespoon honey, Manischewitz (kosher wine), cinnamon.

In a food processor, grind the dried fruits until they’re chunky and add the apple, which should moisten everything a little. Mix in the ground nuts and the honey, and add some manischevitz until you have the consistency you want (sticky and chunky is the norm, but go with your gut) Then you can either add cinnamon to taste, or roll the charoset into balls about the size of a walnut and refrigerate. A few hours before serving, roll the balls in the cinnamon so they’re completely coated. Serve at room temperature. Makes enough for about 30.

Zeroa – roasted lamb shank or neck of poultry

Baytzah - a hard-boiled egg.

Karpas – parsley dipped in water

Maror (From http://www.elanaspantry.com/horseradish-make-your-own-maror/)

One horseradish root (about 4 inches), peeled and chopped1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients in food processor. Pulse until horseradish is well ground. Carefully remove lid; do not inhale or smell mixture, as it may burn eyes and nasal passages. Store in a glass container. Serve.

SHAVUOT/WEEKS

The holiday of Shavuot is a two-day holiday, beginning at sundown of 5th Sivan (May/June) and lasting until nightfall of 7th Sivan. (In Israel it is a one-day holiday, ending at nightfall of the 6th of Sivan.) The word Shavuot means “weeks.” It marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot.

The Torah was given by G-d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai more than 3300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot Jews renew their acceptance of G-d’s gift, and G-d “re-gives” the Torah.

The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event, one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. The sages have compared it to a wedding between G-d and the Jewish people.


http://www.elanaspantry.com/horseradish-make-your-own-maror/

Shavuot also means “oaths,” for on this day G-d swore eternal devotion to the Jewish people, and they in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him.

In ancient times two wheat loaves would be offered in Holy Temple. It was also at this time that people would begin to bring bikkurim, their first and choicest fruits, to thank G-d for Israel’s bounty.

Women and girls light holiday candles to usher in the holiday, on both the first and second evenings of the holidays.

It is customary to stay up all night learning Torah on the first night of Shavuot.All men, women and children should go to the synagogue on the first day of

Shavuot to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments.As on other holidays, special meals are eaten, and no “work” may be

performed.It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Among other reasons, this

commemorates the fact that upon receiving the Torah, including the kosher laws, the Jewish people could not cook meat in their pots, which had yet to be rendered kosher.

On the second day of Shavuot, the Yizkor memorial service is recited.Some communities read the Book of Ruth publicly, as King David—whose

passing occurred on this day—was a descendant of Ruth the Moabite.

Fill in the blanks in the following cloze passage:The holiday of Shavuot is a ___ -day holiday, beginning at __________ of 5th _________ (May/June) and lasting until nightfall of 7th _________. (In Israel it is a ______ -day holiday, ending at nightfall of the 6th _________.) The word Shavuot means “_________” It marks the completion of the ____________week counting period between ______________ and Shavuot. Shavuot also means “________,” for on this day G-d swore eternal devotion to the Jewish people, and they in turn pledged everlasting ___________ to Him. In ancient times two ________ loaves would be offered in Holy _____________ It was also at this time that people would begin to bring _____________, their first and choicest fruits, to thank G-d for Israel’s bounty.

(To help you, this passage above includes the following terms and others: Temple, Sivan, Wheat, Pesach/Passover, Bikkurim, Two, One, Sundown, Weeks, Oaths, Loyalty)

1. What is celebrated at Shavuot?2. Why is it seen to be important?3. What is its relevance for the Jewish community today?

Explain the connection between any Jewish holiday and agriculture and the land.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


SABBATH/SHABBAT/SHABBOS

Biblical Foundations GENESIS 2:1-3 ‘The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day G-d finished the work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work. So G-d blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it G-d rested from all his work which he had done in creation.’

EXODUS 16:20-29 During their time in the wilderness, the Israelites were first commanded to observe the Sabbath: to work for five days when they were to collect a single portion of manna; on the 6th day they were to collect a double portion for the following day which was declared to be:

‘A day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath of the Lord’ (Exodus 16:23).

When they looked for bread on the 7th day, the Lord said:‘How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath, therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days; remain every man of you in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.’

EXODUS 20:8-11In the Ten Commandments:

‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your G-d; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your maidservant, or your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.’

DEUTERONOMY 5:12-15In the Exodus from Egypt:

‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your G-d commanded you. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your G-d; in it you shall not do any work… You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt,


and the Lord your G-d brought you out with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord you G-d commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.’

EXODUS 31:12, 16In the Covenant between Israel and G-d:

Say to the people of Israel, ‘You shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you… Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’

In the Torah, the following are forbidden on the Sabbath:

Kindling a fire (Exodus 35:3)Ploughing and harvesting (Exodus 23:12)Carrying from one place to another (Exodus 16:29)

Sabbath in the Mishnah and the Talmud

Following discussions among the rabbis, they identified a further 39 categories of work were also excluded on the Sabbath.

SowingPloughingReapingBindingGrinding

SiftingWeaving two threads

BuildingWriting two letters

Striking with a hammerMoving something

CuttingBaking

Shearing sheepPulling down a structure

The Talmud discussed and expanded these categories to include, within each category, a wide range of activities.

Further laws made by the rabbis tried to ensure that people observed these traditions.

However, there are some exceptions to the rules, for example: A boy can be circumcised on the SabbathDangerous animals may be killed


A person may fight in self-defenceAnything may be done to save a life

THE SABBATH CELEBRATION

Shabbat begins on Friday at sunset.

At home …Sabbath candles are traditionally lit by the woman of the house who recites the blessing:

‘Blessed are you, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has hallowed us by your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Sabbath light.’

Kabbalat Shabbat – receiving Shabbat in the synagogueTradition going back to the Kabbalists of the 16 th century where Safed went to the fields to welcome the Sabbath queen.Sabbath represents the Shekinah (divine presence)Six psalms – psalms 95-99 and 29, representing the six weekdays.Lekha Dodi: poem compose by Solomon ha-Levi Alkabetz in the mid-1500s, based on word of Talmudic sage Hanina ‘Come let us go out to meet the Queen Sabbath’.Psalms 92 and 93

Later, at home…Father blesses the children: With both hands on head of the boy he says ‘May G-d make you like Ephraim and Manasseh’ and for a girl he says: ‘May G-d make you like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah.’Father recites priestly blessingSinging of Shalom Aleichem which welcomes the Sabbath angelsKiddush: Father recites prayer over the Kiddush prayer over a cup of wine: ‘Blessed are you, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by your commandments and has taken pleasure in us, and in love and favour has given us your holy Sabbath as an inheritance, a memorial of the creation …’This is followed by the washing of hands.


Challah: Traditional bread which is used for the Sabbath. It is plaited in three strips and cooked earlier on Friday. The bread is blessed at the beginning of the Sabbath meal.

Shabbat Menu:1. Gefilte (Stuffed) Fish Recipe: 3 pounds ground fish (2 lbs. whiting and 1 lb. pike)4 medium onions, ground1/2 cup matzo meal4 eggs beaten1 teaspoon pepper5 teaspoons salt3-5 teaspoons sugar (add more if you like a sweeter fish)3 carrot stalks2 celery stalks1 parsnip, peeled (optional)1 onion, scored1 teaspoon salt3 garlic cloves1/4 teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons sugar

In the Torah's account of the creation of the world in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit), the word "blessing" is used three times. The first concerns the creation of fish, the second regarding the creation of the human being, and the third regarding Shabbat. When a human eats fish on Shabbat, he is thus beneficiary of a triple blessing.

At the time of the Messianic Redemption, there will be a feast at which the Leviathan, a giant fish, will be served. Shabbat, the Day of Rest, is a microcosm of the Messianic Era. As such, the fish which Jews eat on Shabbat is in anticipation of the "day which will be a complete and perfect Shabbat."

2. Cholent: Stew with beans, barley, potato, meat (traditional Ashkenazic recipe)Mid-Eastern recipe (Sephardic recipe) includes rice, chickpeas, dumplings

3. Chicken Turkey Soup: 1 large turkey neck, cut into pieces, 1 pound chicken wings, 3-4 carrots, 3 zucchini, 3 celery sticks or celery root, 2 small onions, 1-2 small parsley rootsa, piece of pumpkin (optional), parsley (fresh), salt, pepper, chicken soup powder to taste

4.Potato Kugel

Sabbath meal is followed by the singing of songs, zemirot, and concludes with the Grace after Meals, Birkhat ha-Mazon.

Saturday Morning Shabbat Service at the SynagogueIntroductory prayersShema Israel (Deut. 6)Torah scrolls are taken out of the ArkSeven called to the reading of the TorahOne is called to read from the Prophets or Writings (Haftarah)


The Musaf (an additional service) with the silent recitation of the Amidah (19 blessings) and a public recitation of sameFull KaddishHymn

Later that same day …After they return home, the morning Kiddush and the blessing over bread are recited followed by Sabbath meal followed by Grace after MealsAfternoon Service at synagogueAnother meal is eaten just in time for the evening service

HavdalahMarks the division between the day and the rest of the week.Wine overflows a container to symbolise the hope that the joy of the Sabbath will flow into the weekThree blessings are recited over wine, spices and lights.A final blessing opens with phrase ‘Blessed are you, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe who distinguishes’ and there is a list of comparisonsHymn Ha-Mavdil follows Havdalah ceremony.

Summaries of Biblical origins of Shabbat

Text What is expressedGenesis 2:1-3 ‘The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of

them. And on the seventh day G-d finished the work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work. So G-d blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it G-d rested from all his work which he had done in creation.’

Exodus 16:20-29 ‘How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath, therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days; remain every man of you in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.’

Exodus 20:8-11 ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your G-d; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your maidservant, or your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.’

Exodus 31:12.16 Say to the people of Israel, ‘You shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you… Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’


What are the main elements of Shabbat observance which is mentioned in the texts above?

In the Torah, the following are forbidden on the Sabbath:

Kindling a fire (Exodus 35:3)Ploughing and harvesting (Exodus 23:12)Carrying from one place to another (Exodus 16:29)

Exercises

1. What happens in an observant Jewish household where Jews have to cook something on the Shabbat?harvest something urgently?carry something from one place to another?

2. Name three exceptions to the Shabbat rule.

3. In your opinion, what is the value of having a day like Shabbat built into every week?

4. What are the challenges to keeping Shabbat in our world of today?

5. Explain the following terms which relate to Shabbat:Kabbalat ShabbatKiddushChallahHavdalah

6. Outline the Shabbat celebration from the time of its beginning to the time of its conclusion stating when and where they take place.



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dwecjewishstudies.files.wordpress.com · Web viewSECTION 3. Sacredness in the Jewish Faith. Topic 3.1. Sacred Time; The Jewish life cycle. Description of Topic. The origins of the