Rosh Hashana, literally head of the year, is accepted as the New Year within the Jewish calendar.
Jewish concept of a new year is somewhat different from Christian concept. Rosh Hashana is part of a longer period known as the High Holidays. It begins about a week earlier, includes Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkoth.
Since Rosh Hashana symbolizes the beginnings, a traditional belief has it that this day is the sixth day of Creation (the day man was created and all creating completed). Rosh Hashana is also seen as the day of God inscribing you into the Book of Life, which is sealed on Yom Kippur.
A period preceding Rosh HaShana is known as Shlihot (forgiveness). For many this entails getting up earlier than usual, as the shlihot prayers are usually said at midnight or before sunrise. There are areas in Jerusalem where this has become a great tradition, attracting Jerusalemites from all its neighborhoods. [Read more...]
Today most of us think of olives and olive oil primarily as foods. And for very good reasons. Olive oil is considered to be one of the healthiest oils to use in food and food production.
When visiting Israel in the fall, one of the most prominent fruits to be seen in the markets and in fruit and juice stands is the 
One day not long ago I was sitting in one of my hub cafes in the Old City of Jerusalem. This is a place I visit often, as part of my work. Most times, luckily, I don’t even have time to sit here.
I have made a decision that I want to start every week with something uplifting, something fun or something unusual. Coming off a great weekend we need to jumpstart the week.
Recent Comments