|
|
||
HOME
|
|
Musical NotesMarch 2004From the Desk of Marjorie HochbergMah Nishtana An undeniable part of Jewish life is dealing with the sometimes strange and obscure Jewish calendar. What is that calendar anyway? In comparison with the Western calendar, holidays are either early or late, and their schedule can feel completely arbitrary. Although the origins of the Hebrew calendar are obscure, it appears that originally the calendar was calculated by observing the heavens and the cycles of the moon. Additionally, adjustments were made to compensate for the fact that many Jewish holidays and festivals are seasonal, i.e. they follow the cycles of the sun. For that reason, the Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar with solar adjustments. Every Jewish month begins at the new moon and is completed as the cycle of the moon ends, a process that takes 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 3.5 seconds. Since a new month cannot begin in mid-day, some months are 29 days and others 30. Because the lunar calendar will be short a few days when compared to the solar calendar, there is an extra month added to the calendar year seven times in every 19 year calendar cycle. The Shalosh Regalim, pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, as well as some minor festivals like Purim, must begin on a full moon. For me personally as the festivals draw near, the moon is less a benevolent face in the heavens and more like a very large, alarm clock in the sky. And, speaking of alarming, although the next festival on our calendar, Purim, is still days away and we have yet to sample our first hamantashen, it is not too early to start thinking about Passover! Before we know it , it will be the first week in April and time to be ladelling chicken soup and eating Matzah farfel. Temple Emanu-El is taking reservations now for our annual festive and delightful 2nd night Passover Seder on Tuesday, April 6th at 6 pm. As always, there will be a seder here at the Temple led by Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon. Rabbi David Freelund will lead a seder in the Northwest at the spectacular Westward Look Resort, the event co-sponsor. Both seders will feature a splendid, kosher Passover dinner catered by L’Chaim Catering, and this year, will also feature some very special and delicious Kosher wines. Manischewitz will also be available, of course. I will be sponsoring the Shabbat oneg on Friday, April 2nd in honor of my “special” birthday. Just don’t ask me how special. I hope you will join me for the occasion! Marjorie Hochberg |
