Rosh Chodesh Tevet: 5773

Here’s the replay from Rosh Chodesh Tevet 5773 services at OneShul.org

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Rosh Chodesh Tevet & Hanukkah!

Here’s the replay of the Rosh Chodesh Tevet & Hanukkah candle lighting service at OneShul.org, recorded on December 27, 2011. What a wacky, fun service it was — at least for me!  Check over at PunkTorah.org very soon for my article there about Tevet and the experiment with bibliomancy that we did during the service.  (intrigued….aren’t you) Intro and closing music in the service is Havayah, by the Kirtan Rabbi. Also, here’s a link to the book we talked about and used in the service: The Encyclopedia of Jewish...

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Red String: Symbol of Cheshvan

Oct 16, 11 Red String: Symbol of Cheshvan

Posted by in Holidays & Holy Days, Rosh Chodesh

Explore the “red string” of Jewish mysticism as the symbol of Cheshvan. It is connected to Rachel the Matriarch, whose yahrtzeit is this month, and the color is connected to the Red Heifer.

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The Shofar: Symbol of Tishrei, Symbol of Judaism

Sep 18, 11 The Shofar: Symbol of Tishrei, Symbol of Judaism

Posted by in Rosh Chodesh, Rosh Hashanah

Tishrei 5772 begins at Sundown on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 The shofar is not only a symbol we all associate with Tishrei, but it’s also a symbol of Judaism.  Many of us only think about the shofar at the High Holy days, but in ancient times it was used regularly in religious rites. Blow the shofar at the new moon, at the full moon for our feast-day. (Psalm 81:3) In Psalms, we see the order to blow the shofar at both the new moon, Rosh Chodesh, and the full moon feast days. Historically the shofar would have been used to call us to prayer and attention for a myriad of reasons and events.  The shofar was also the sound of G-d/dess’ voice we hear at Sinai.  Is it any wonder that this ancient relic is one we still treasure today?  When considering the shofar, also remember that it is a sign of our history as a nation of shepherds.  I’m exploring purchasing my first shofar, and finding that I not only want one that is beautiful and playable — but also that I know comes from an animal that is not just kosher, but was also raised with respect and given a good life.  I also want it to be local.  Why should I import a shofar from a foreign country, when there are so many sheep right here? I would like to learn to play the shofar, but I also want to incorporate it into my fall altar, or spiritual focal point if you prefer. If you are unfamiliar with the idea of having a Jewish personal altar, here’s a post  about the practice. This Tishrei, consider the Shofar as more than something you just hear at synagogue.  Explore the history, symbolism, elemental aspects, and potential spiritual uses.  Like Torah, the shofar can be understood on four (and probably more levels).  Consider the shofar at it’s literal level, the alluded to meanings, the “drash” or hidden story, and the mystical meaning.Here are some...

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Rosh Chodesh Elul Services

Video of Rosh Chodesh Elul services at OneShul.org, lead by Ketzirah!

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Elul: Lesson of Gad

Elul is a complicated month. It is one of the four new years, the new year of cattle. It is the month we close out our spiritual year and begin preparation for the High Holy Days and new spiritual year. It is a month where we turn inward and look to our own hearts and our relationship with G!(d)dess.

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