L’Shanah Tova! Starting this week we will observe the traditions that have sustained the Jewish community for thousands of years. As we celebrate the start of 5785, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the symbolism inherent in the observance of Rosh Hashanah. Specifically, when we sit down with our families for the seder on Erev Rosh Hashanah, every course provides a guidepost for the goals of this holiday. We are all aware of eating apples in honey to wish us a sweet new year but there is so much deeper meaning. We eat a circular challah to represent the cycle of life and the circularity of time. The pomegranate connects us to the 613 commandments in the Torah that we yearn to fulfill. Beets are included because the Hebrew word “Salak” means to depart, as we wish our enemies to do. Squash is included because its Hebrew word “Kera” means to rip apart or tear, as we wish to tear up negative judgements. Even the apple itself has a deeper meaning because it has the same numeric value as “seh akeida”, meaning “the lamb of the binding”, relating the story of the near sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham in the hopes that the lessons of that legend will inspire us in the future. This year, as we gather around the dinner table, look for the not-so-hidden meanings in the food all around us to promote ever greater awe for this remarkable holiday.
Torah Study on Zoom takes place every Saturday at 10:15 AM. Our next Shabbat Evening Service, hosted by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney will be on Friday, October 4, at 7:30 PM. And Finally, we look forward to seeing you all for Kol Nidre on Friday, October 11th at 7:00 PM, and Yom Kippur services, starting at 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna and David, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel
From the Presidents – Oct. 4, 2024
October 4, 2024 by tbhrich • president
Hello Everyone!
L’Shanah Tova! Starting this week we will observe the traditions that have sustained the Jewish community for thousands of years. As we celebrate the start of 5785, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the symbolism inherent in the observance of Rosh Hashanah. Specifically, when we sit down with our families for the seder on Erev Rosh Hashanah, every course provides a guidepost for the goals of this holiday. We are all aware of eating apples in honey to wish us a sweet new year but there is so much deeper meaning. We eat a circular challah to represent the cycle of life and the circularity of time. The pomegranate connects us to the 613 commandments in the Torah that we yearn to fulfill. Beets are included because the Hebrew word “Salak” means to depart, as we wish our enemies to do. Squash is included because its Hebrew word “Kera” means to rip apart or tear, as we wish to tear up negative judgements. Even the apple itself has a deeper meaning because it has the same numeric value as “seh akeida”, meaning “the lamb of the binding”, relating the story of the near sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham in the hopes that the lessons of that legend will inspire us in the future. This year, as we gather around the dinner table, look for the not-so-hidden meanings in the food all around us to promote ever greater awe for this remarkable holiday.
Torah Study on Zoom takes place every Saturday at 10:15 AM. Our next Shabbat Evening Service, hosted by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney will be on Friday, October 4, at 7:30 PM. And Finally, we look forward to seeing you all for Kol Nidre on Friday, October 11th at 7:00 PM, and Yom Kippur services, starting at 10:00 AM.
Thank you everyone!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna and David, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel