Celebrating Jewish Holidays with Food and Tradition

November 11, 2023 Djinn

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Passover

Passover is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays. It traditionally commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. For eight days, it is celebrated with a variety of foods, such as matzah, a type of unleavened flatbread. Eating matzah is a reminder of the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when they fled Egypt. During the Seder meal, many families will partake in drinking four cups of wine. The four cups are a healthful tribute to God’s four expressions of redemption throughout the Seder.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year. It is celebrated by gathering with family and friends, eating traditional foods, and exchanging well wishes. During Rosh Hashanah, people eat sweet foods such as honey cake, apples and honey, and sweet-spiced challah. Pomegranates are a traditional symbol of Rosh Hashanah because they are said to symbolize having the desire to do good deeds. Other popular items on the Rosh Hashanah menu include raisin-filled borekas, kreplach (dumplings) and tzimmes (a mixture of vegetables and sweet fruits).

Hanukkah

During the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews commemorate the Maccabee’s rededication of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. It is customary to light a menorah, which symbolizes a guiding light, and to enjoy traditional treats such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). A type of card game called “Dreidel” has become a favorite way to pass the time. Everyone plays with chocolate coins, and the winner takes all of them.

Shavuot

Shavuot is an important spring harvest celebration. On Shavuot it is traditional to decorate your home with bright and colorful fruits and vegetables to remind us of the bountiful fruits of the land. Dairy foods are especially popular - cheesecakes, blintzes, and knishes are just a few of the delicious Shavuot foods. In many communities pizza and ice cream parties are held as the traditional delicacies. All of these dishes are meant to keep the Jewish tradition of celebrating the harvest alive.

How to Observe Jewish Holidays Away From Home

November 11, 2023 Djinn

Connecting With Traditions

Jewish Holidays are some of the most important and meaningful days in the Jewish calendar. Despite the absence of being able to physically be at home with family for these holidays, there are still meaningful ways to celebrate them.

Plan Ahead for Virtual Celebrations

Make sure to let your family and friends know ahead of time that you will be unable to be home with them for the holidays. Plan a virtual holiday celebration. Try setting up a Zoom or Facetime call with family and friends for the holidays. This way, you can still come together for special holiday meals and even get to spend quality time together.

Stay Connected to Practices and Traditions

It's important to stay connected to traditions and practices even if you're not in your usual environment. If you do not practice all of the traditional customs, this may be a great opportunity to deepen you religious practice of the holiday.

Consult Religious Texts

Take time to review religious texts in preparation for the holiday. Read the story of the holiday, the relevant psalms, and passages of scripture. Consider writing your own reflections or prayers and adding them to what you read.

Let Nature Connect You

Incorporate appreciation for the natural world into your holiday. Get outside, observe the changes in the natural world that this holiday brings about, and explore what those changes can mean for you.

Bring Your Own Creativity

When away from home, utilizing the resources available to you can have a great impact on your holiday experience. See if there are holiday events happening near you or any local synagogues which may be doing online services. You could even cook your families favorite dishes to honor the holiday. There are plenty of ways you can let your creativity influence your holiday experience.

Stay Open and Connected

The key to maintaining some sense of normalcy while observing the holidays away from home is to be open and connected. Openness to new practices and experiences during this time can open up new angles or points of view which can add to the richness of the holiday. And staying connected with family and friends helps to keep up the continuity that makes each holiday special.

Exploring the Beliefs and Practices of Shinto

November 10, 2023 Djinn

Exploring the Beliefs and Practices of Shinto

Shintoism is an ancient Japanese spiritual tradition with strong cultural and historical roots. It is a religion that emphasizes the connection of nature, humans, and the divine. It is also one of the few religions in the world that embraced polytheism, which is the belief in multiple gods, rather than a single god.

At the core of Shinto beliefs is the idea of kami, which are divine beings or powers that have been present throughout Japanese history. These kami can be anything from a god or goddess, to sacred mountain ranges, to a natural phenomenon such as a waterfall. It is believed that these kami are intrinsically connected to nature and the physical world, and that they have the power to intervene in the lives of humans.

The majority of believers practice a form of ritual worship called misogi. This involves taking part in a purification ritual, often in a body of water, and offering prayers and offerings to the kami. The most important festival in the Shinto religion is the New Year or Shogatsu. During festival, people dress in traditional kimonos and celebrate the ancient rituals and beliefs such as praying for good luck and prosperity.

Another important aspect of Shintoism is Japan's deep reverence for nature. This is seen in the way ancient structures such as shrines and temples have been built in harmony with their natural surroundings. This respect for nature is also seen in the way people venerate the spiritual power of rivers, mountains, and other natural features that have a special meaning in Shintoism.

If you are interested in exploring Shinto beliefs further, there are a few things you can do. Visiting a local shrine or taking part in a misogi ritual is a great way to experience the faith firsthand. You can also read more about the religion and its history. Additionally, a visit to the Japanese Cultural Center or museum can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices of Shintoism.