I always enjoy sharing my faith and culture with others, so below, I explain something about this holiday and the items in today's picture.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. Like all Jewish holidays, it starts at sunset and goes until the following sunset. This year it happened to fall on Friday evening, so it's also Shabbat, the Sabbath. We say L'Shanah Tovah!: Shanah is year and tovah means good. In English, "Happy New Year!"
Rosh Hashanah begins an annual 10-day period when Jews are supposed to review their lives and resolve to be better people for the coming year. Thus, it's both a celebration and a serious occasion. The 10 days, known as the Days of Awe, conclude with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The idea is for us to apologize to those we've hurt during the 10 days and then atone on Yom Kippur for sins against God and ourselves.
I think it's interesting that the concept is one of t'shuvah, or turning yourself into a better person, more than simply feeling bad for the sins we've committed. Ultimately, therefore, it's a hopeful period.
My family and I attended a religious service this evening, where my daughter sang in the choir. It's a special pleasure to watch my children grow into and learn their heritage. We'll go back tomorrow morning for more services. Then, tomorrow night, we'll host friends for a celebratory dinner.
I'm wearing a kipah (kee'-pah), also known as a yarmulke (ya'-muh-kuh), on my head as a show of respect for God.
I'm also wearing a tallis, or prayer shawl. I'm a Reform Jew, so I don't always wear one, but for this picture I wanted to because this tallis is my one heirloom. It was newly bought for my father on his Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish ceremony marking entry into adulthood at age 13, so it's now 56 years old. He gave it to me on my Bar Mitzvah. In 4 years, I'll pass it to my oldest daughter at her Bat Mitzvah (in Reform Judaism, many women also wear a kipah and tallis).
In Hebrew, bar means "son," bat means "daughter," and in this context, mitzvah means "commandment." So a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is, literally, someone who has committed to live "Jewishly."
The white wrist band next to the apples was given out tonight at my temple. It says "Give a lift - do a mitzvah." One precept of Judaism is tikkun olam, or repairing the world; it's our sacred duty to make the world a better place. So in the context of the wrist band, mitzvah means a good deed.
Apples are a symbol of Rosh Hashanah because they're a fall fruit. We eat them with honey to help us start off a sweet year.
I've shown myself reading what Christians would call the Old Testament. Since we don't have a new testament, we just call it the Bible.
And that concludes "The Jewish High Holidays in a Nutshell." L'Shanah Tovah! :)
Thanks for the enlightening information. I've met both good Jews and bad Jews. So they must all be just humans like the rest of us. Religion is just one facet of a person. Keep on shooting fellow D200 owner.
This is wonderful, Jeff. Not only is it a very good self-portrait photographically (as someone mentioned, the apples are a really nice touch of color, well placed) but it's an excellent self-portrait as far as telling us something about you. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide the detailed information - informative and enlightening! Wishing you and your family "L'Shanah Tovah!"
Thanks so much for the information. I'm so intrigued by the various theologies of the world. I like how you chose to teach and not preach. I learned that there is another word for the yarmulke too!
Just a stunning image. Compositionally and tonally perfect. I love the apples for a splash of color and natural element. Wonderful. I don't know if it's appropriate to say "Happy New Year," but I'm saying it as a gesture of friendship and good will! Shalom!
That is a wonderful explanation you have provided, and i really enjoyed learning about your faith.
To be honest, I have had a really disappointing evening (a model was a no-show, at her own house, and my wife & I had done a LOT of prep work). Your posting has helped me to calm down & relax, and to HONESTLY forgive the young lady. (she is sweet & i was trying very hard to be nice in my thoughts about her, but not being totally successful). Thank you, for the information, for uplifting my mood, AND for helping me to forgive someone...
BTW - that honey & apples thing sounds really good - i think it is time for a late night snack!
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