Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish Year, begins tonight at sundown. If your Jewish friends need a hand today… give it! Run an errand, watch the kids, walk the dog… whatever that they might need on this hectic day for them. It’s what decent people do… tomorrow, give ’em the space to honour their day of repentance. That’s the best gift that you can give them.
BMD
Today is the start of Rosh Hashanah (commonly called “Jewish New Year”)… the beginning of the High Holy Days that end with Yom Kippur (that’s 11/12 October this year). Except for Pesach (Passover), this is the holiest time of the Jewish liturgical year… Chanukah doesn’t even come close. If your Jewish friends or coworkers need a hand during this period, give it to them! It’s a hectic time of year for them. Do whatever good that you can do for them with a good heart, expecting nothing in return (“Yes, I WILL have some of the honey cake and Carmel wine… thank you, very much!”). We’re Christians; that’s what we do.
One last thing… remember the words of a humble Greek country pappas during the German occupation in World War II… “Our Lord Christ lived and died a believing Jew”. We should have the same attitude. Respect others and their faiths… full stop. That IS our duty as Christians. If we fail to honour that, we’re no Christians, and I’m not afraid to say so. I confide that I’m not alone in thinking that way…
BMD
Yom Kippur is Holy Friday, Holy Week, and Lent rolled into one… on one day! Don’t bug your Jewish friends… they’re supposed to be reflecting and meditating on their sins. They’ll be breaking the Yom Kippur fast tomorrow at sundown… then, it’s copacetic to visit them and bring a gift or two. This is like Easter for them… it’s the most important day of their religious year. Give ’em the space to honour it. That’s the best gift that you can give them.
BMD
Tizku Leshanim Rabbot (“may you merit many years”), is the formal Sephardi greeting, to which one answers, Ne’imot VeTovot (“pleasant and good ones”). That’s a good place to start. To all of my friends keeping the holiday… my good wishes… MANY YEARS! Keep the faith…
BMD
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