DOCSLIB.ORG

What Every Mother Should Know

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
What Every Mother Should Know CHASSIDISHE WEDDING: What Every Mother Should Know SARA MOROZOW CJ Studios 52 NSHEICHABADNEWSLETTER.COM | TISHREI 2017 For a parentF there is no joy comparable to marrying off a child. A tremendous investment of time, effort and money goes into preparing for the wedding day, which is the culmination of years and years of toil in bringing up our children. Given the false world we live in, where the gashmius is front and center, sometimes the tremendous spiritual power of the day can be overlooked. If we want to harness the ruchniusdike energy of the wedding day, to establish the young couple on the right path for life, this can be done only with preparation. It does not just happen by itself. When I was a young kallah the world was very different. Then, if they were lucky, the chassan and kallah could go directly from the chuppah to get a dollar from the Rebbe. Then the kedushah was palpable and everything else was secondary. Today we need to invest more effort in order to reveal the tremendous kedushah of the wedding day. Preparing for the wedding is similar to preparing for Shabbos. The ruchniusdike beauty of Shabbos is reflected in the gashmius—in the way we prepare our homes, the special food and clothing. Sometimes we can get carried away with the gashmius—such as when we sit down at a physically beautiful Shabbos table but the conversation around the table does not reflect the kedushah of Shabbos. The same is true of the wedding day. As much as we want every detail to be perfect b’gashmius, we must ensure that this does not overshadow the ikkar—to establish the young couple on a foundation of holiness and purity. TISHREI 2017 | NSHEICHABADNEWSLETTER.COM 53 WHY A PUBLIC SIMCHAH? STANDING UNDER THE CHUPPAH When a chassan and kallah get married, the simchah is not only for them and their family. What is the significance of standing under It is shared by the entire community and all of the chuppah? The Mitteler Rebbe explains Klal Yisroel. For example, for the whole week of that the chuppah is bechinas makkif—a type of sheva brachos, Tachanun is not recited in shul kedushah that is above the world and cannot if a chassan is present. And it is a mitzvah to be drawn down through our efforts. At the participate in the simchah of a wedding and to wedding, this level of divine revelation is dance and rejoice with the chassan and kallah. poured down on the chassan and kallah, and But why? Why can’t the chassan and kallah this is the energy they will use to build their celebrate in private? Why the big public display? lives together. As they stand under the chuppah In a maamar of the Mitteler Rebbe, L’havin they need to connect their thoughts to Hashem inyan hilulah d’Rashbi, he explains that the great in order to draw down this tremendous energy joy of a wedding is the reunion of two halves of in a revealed way. one neshamah. It is compared to two close friends When we stand under the chuppah it is like who were separated for a long time and are now standing at mattan Torah. The chassan and reunited. The Mitteler Rebbe explains that the joy kallah must have a feeling of bittul, desire and of reunion depends on how close the friends were, mesirus nefesh to do Hashem’s will. But to have how long they were separated and the reason for this sensitivity requires preparation, and that their separation. If one of them was in peril, such preparation is, simply, learning. as in captivity or seriously ill, the celebration at their reunion will naturally be greater. The chassan and kallah are not just close WHAT IS THE PREPARATION? friends but one neshamah that comes into the world in two separate bodies. They are separated We want each of our sons and daughters to feel for a long time—for the first 20-plus years of their the kedushah of the wedding. But the wedding day lives. Furthermore, they are sent down, into often goes by in a blur—for the bride there is hair, olam hazeh, a world filled withkelipah and sitra makeup, pictures, pictures, pictures and pictures. achara, and there is a real risk that they may not Where in the day does she have an opportunity be reunited in purity. For all these reasons, the to focus her thoughts on what really matters? joy at a Yiddishe wedding is especially great. And When our children who have gone through since all neshamos are one, as explained in Perek traditional chinuch get married, they sincerely 32 of Tanya, the joy of one neshamah is shared want to do things the right way. But it’s up to the by all of us. parents to set things up beforehand so that the When the two halves of this neshamah are ruchniusdike matters are the priority. During the reunited, they are not just coming together the engagement, the kallah has a lot on her mind. way they were before. The chassan and kallah She needs to shop for—everything!—and find together are creating something new. Together and furnish an apartment. She is most likely they are building a new Jewish family. We’ve all working, taking kallah classes and worrying done the science experiment when you form about her future. Therefore, it is not practical a volcano by mixing baking soda and vinegar. to leave all the ruchniusdike preparations for When two substances come together to form a the engagement period. Ideally, as soon as our new compound, energy is released. At a wedding, sons and daughters reach marriageable age they the union of the two halves of this neshamah should begin to learn these topics. There are releases an ohr makkif that affects all of seder many sefarim in both Hebrew and English that hishtalshelus. Every detail of a Jewish wedding explain in detail every aspect of the wedding reflects this kedushah being released. day and marriage in general. 54 NSHEICHABADNEWSLETTER.COM | TISHREI 2017 MINHAGIM OF THE WEDDING DAY day on Rosh Hashanah affects our whole year, and the same (and more so) for the chassan and There are many minhagim for the chassan and kallah on their wedding day. kallah to observe on the wedding day. One of the Rosh Hashanah was also the first wedding day minhagim that the Rebbe stressed is tzedakah. in history—the wedding of Adam and Chava. Many When I got married the Rebbe had just spoken details of the wedding day reflect what happened about the importance of having a tzedakah at their wedding. For example, we have a band pushka on the head tables, with family members playing music at a wedding because Hashem and friends encouraged to arranged music for Adam give tzedakah in zchus of and Chava. the chassan and kallah. Yom Kippur: The Everyone had pushka When we stand wedding is a personal Yom centerpieces at their Kippur for the chassan and wedding with the coins under the chuppah kallah, which is why they hanging this way or that fast and the chassan wears way. Today how many a kittel under the chuppah. people remember to put it is like standing All their sins are forgiven a pushka on the table on this day. The reason at all? And most people at mattan Torah. for this is that on Yom don’t have change in Kippur an ohr makkif, an their pockets. The Rebbe The chassan and all-encompassing light, instituted this minhag. is drawn down. This or Let’s honor it. Set up the kallah must have makkif is also represented table with a pushka and by the chuppah. When the a plate of change, and kallah and the unterfirer remind guests to give a feeling of bittul, stand under the canopy tzedakah in honor of and surround the chassan, the chassan and kallah. desire and mesirus they are drawing down the The chassan and kallah ohr makkif. But it doesn’t themselves should be nefesh to do happen by itself. There reminded to put coins in needs to be teshuvah. The the pushka throughout the Hashem’s will. chassan and kallah say day of the wedding. vidui at minchah on their This is just one example. wedding day, but saying There are many other details to be observed on the words is not enough. They also need to focus the wedding day which have an impact on the on what this day means for them. future of this couple. Mattan Torah: The giving of the Torah was like the wedding between Hashem and Knesses Yisroel. When we stand under the chuppah we FOUR THEMES OF THE WEDDING DAY recreate the moment of mattan Torah. Yemos HaMoshiach: The marriage between As we learn about the wedding day and the the Yidden and Hashem was not finalized significance of the wedding minhagim, four at mattan Torah because we went into galus themes emerge: afterwards. It will only be finalized in the future, Rosh Hashanah: The wedding day is a personal when Moshiach comes. In the future Hashem will Rosh Hashanah for the chassan and kallah. Just as dance a machol, a circle dance, with the tzadikim, Rosh Hashanah draws down chayus for the whole which is one of the reasons we dance in a circle year, the chassan and kallah draw down brachos at the wedding. for their whole lifetime. The way we spend the Each of the sheva brachos that we say under the TISHREI 2017 | NSHEICHABADNEWSLETTER.COM 55 chuppah has a special meaning for the chassan there are more minhagim nowadays to keep than and kallah that impacts their entire life.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Introduction to Zohar with Rabbi Roller: Session 2 the Rose Among Thorns
    Introduction to Zohar with Rabbi Roller: Session 2 The Rose Among Thorns Genesis 1:1-3 When God began to create heaven and earth—the earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the water—God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Rashi: This verse does not say anything except “explain me!” Song of Songs 2:1-3 I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns, So is my darling among the maidens. Like an apple tree among trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the youths. I delight to sit in his shade, And his fruit is sweet to my mouth. Mishnah Yadaim 3:5 The Song of Songs and Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) defile the hands. Rabbi Judah says: the Song of Songs defiles the hands, but there is a dispute about Kohelet. Rabbi Yose says: Kohelet does not defile the hands, but there is a dispute about the Song of Songs… Rabbi Akiba said: Far be it! No man in Israel disputed that the Song of Songs [saying] that it does not defile the hands. For the whole world is not as worthy as the day on which the Song of Songs was given to Israel; for all the writings are holy but the Song of Songs is the holy of holies. Zohar 1:1a-b Rabbi Hizkiyah opened, “It is written, as a rose among thorns.” (Song of Songs 2:2) What is the Rose? It is the Congregation of Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Halachic and Hashkafic Issues in Contemporary Society 91 - Hand Shaking and Seat Switching Ou Israel Center - Summer 2018
    5778 - dbhbn ovrct [email protected] 1 sxc HALACHIC AND HASHKAFIC ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY 91 - HAND SHAKING AND SEAT SWITCHING OU ISRAEL CENTER - SUMMER 2018 A] SHOMER NEGIAH - THE ISSUES • What is the status of the halacha of shemirat negiah - Deoraita or Derabbanan? • What kind of touching does it relate to? What about ‘professional’ touching - medical care, therapies, handshaking? • Which people does it relate to - family, children, same gender? • How does it inpact on sitting close to someone of the opposite gender. Is one required to switch seats? 1. THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: THE ETHICIST. Between the Sexes By RANDY COHEN. OCT. 27, 2002 The courteous and competent real-estate agent I'd just hired to rent my house shocked and offended me when, after we signed our contract, he refused to shake my hand, saying that as an Orthodox Jew he did not touch women. As a feminist, I oppose sex discrimination of all sorts. However, I also support freedom of religious expression. How do I balance these conflicting values? Should I tear up our contract? J.L., New York This culture clash may not allow you to reconcile the values you esteem. Though the agent dealt you only a petty slight, without ill intent, you're entitled to work with someone who will treat you with the dignity and respect he shows his male clients. If this involved only his own person -- adherence to laws concerning diet or dress, for example -- you should of course be tolerant. But his actions directly affect you. And sexism is sexism, even when motivated by religious convictions.
    [Show full text]
  • Wedding Customs „ All Piskei Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita Are Reviewed by Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita
    Halachically Speaking Volume 4 l Issue 12 „ Compiled by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits „ Reviewed by Rabbi Benzion Schiffenbauer Shlita Wedding Customs „ All Piskei Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita are reviewed by Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita Lag B'omer will be upon us very soon, and for this is because the moon starts getting people have not been at weddings for a while. smaller and it is not a good simon for the Therefore now is a good time to discuss some chosson and kallah.4 Others are not so convinced of the customs which lead up to the wedding that there is a concern and maintain one may and the wedding itself. marry at the end of the month as well.5 Some are only lenient if the chosson is twenty years of When one attends a wedding he sees many age.6 The custom of many is not to be customs which are done.1 For example, concerned about this and marry even at the walking down the aisle with candles, ashes on end of the month.7 Some say even according to the forehead, breaking the plate, and the glass, the stringent opinion one may marry until the the chosson does not have any knots on his twenty-second day of the Hebrew month.8 clothing etc. Long Engagement 4 Chazzon Yeshaya page 139, see Shar Yissochor mamer When an engaged couple decide when they ha’yarchim 2:pages 1-2. 5 Refer to Pischei Teshuva E.H. 64:5, Yehuda Yaleh 2:24, should marry, the wedding date should not be Tirosh V’yitzor 111, Hisoreros Teshuva 1:159, Teshuva 2 too long after their engagement.
    [Show full text]
  • Halachic and Hashkafic Issues in Contemporary Society 24 - Must a Kallah Cover Her Hair - Part 1 Ou Israel Center - Summer 2016
    5776 - dbhbn ovrct [email protected] 1 sxc HALACHIC AND HASHKAFIC ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY 24 - MUST A KALLAH COVER HER HAIR - PART 1 OU ISRAEL CENTER - SUMMER 2016 A] HAIR COVERING FOR MARRIED WOMEN A1] THE TORAH DERIVATION - SOTAH //// v tv Jt«r , t g rpU wv hbpk v tv , t i v«F v sh ng vu 1. jh:v rcsnc The head of the sotah was made ‘paru’a’ in public. What does ‘parua’ mean? ivk htbd atrv hukda ktrah ,ubck itfn 'v,uzck hsf tvrga ,ghke ,t r,ux - grpu 2. oa h"ar Rashi explains the expression ‘para’ to refer to untying the woman’s braids and learns from this that Jewish women must cover their head. How does he get from one to the other? grpu (jh:v rcsnc) unf ubukeu umna vkd,b /vkudn - gurp :h"ar) /o vhneC v­mnJk i º«r&vt v´«g rp(h F tU·v g­*rp h¬F o ºgv(, t Æv J«n tr³Hu 3. (vatv atr ,t vf:ck ,una Rashi clearly learns that the word ‘parua’ means ‘uncovered’. utk t,ga tuvvs kkfn grpu ch,fsn b"t ruxts kkfn vkguc kg ,utb,vk v,aga unf vsn sdbf vsn vkuubk hfv vk ibhscgsn 4. rehg ifu atr ,ugurp ,tmk ktrah ,ubc lrs iht vbhn gna ,uv vgurp /cg ,ucu,f h"ar Rashi on the Gemara gives two derivations for the halacha: (a) uncovering the woman’s hair was designed to be a public humiliation and thus we can infer that covering the hair in public is dignified; and (b) the need to uncover the hair of the married woman implies that married women’s hair was generally covered.
    [Show full text]
  • Korach June 23-24, 2017 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5777
    CONGREGATION BETH AARON ANNOUNCEMENTS Parshat Korach June 23-24, 2017 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz 5777 SHABBAT TIMES This week’s announcements are sponsored by Lamdeinu. Friday, June 23 For information on their schedule of classes, see page 4 and go to lamdeinu.org. Plag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 6:45 p.m. Study in depth; be inspired! Earliest Candles: 6:58 p.m. Early Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:00 p.m. SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 25 Latest Candles: 8:13 p.m. Zman Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri 8:15 p.m. 25 26 27 28 29 30 Earliest Tallit 4:26 4:26 4:27 4:27 4:27 4:28 Shabbat, June 24 Hashkama Minyan: 7:30 a.m. Shacharit 6:20 MS 5:40 SH 5:55 SH 5:55 SH 5:40 SH 5:55 SH Nach shiur: 8:20 a.m. 7:15 SH 6:20 BM 6:30 BM 6:30 BM 6:20 BM 6:30 BM Main Minyan: 8:45 a.m. 8:00 MS 7:10 BM 7:15 BM 7:15 BM 7:10 BM 7:15 BM Sof Zman Kriat Shema: 9:11 a.m. 8:45 SH 8:00 BM 8:00 BM 8:00 BM 8:00 BM 8:00 BM Youth Minyan: 9:15 a.m. Mincha 1:45 BM Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Zvi Grumet: following the Kiddush, “Winning the Mincha/ 8:15 MS 8:15 BM 8:15 BM 8:15 BM 8:15 BM 6:45 BM Battle but Losing the War” Maariv 7:00 MS Early Mincha: 1:45 p.m.
    [Show full text]
  • (The) Sisterhood Is Powerful: Remarks by Rabbi Rachel M. Isaacs Upon the Inauguration of the Dorothy “Bibby” Levine Alfond Professorship in Jewish Studies
    (The) Sisterhood is Powerful: Remarks by Rabbi Rachel M. Isaacs upon the Inauguration of the Dorothy “Bibby” Levine Alfond Professorship in Jewish Studies. November 19, 2015 Colby College, Waterville, Maine In October of 1957, the Beth Israel Congregation sisterhood met to discuss issues that ranged from the pedestrian to the controversial. After a vigorous conversation on the value of having a gossip column in the synagogue newsletter, the women of the sisterhood turned to their attention to an issue that was as salacious as it was fantastical: the possibility of women rabbis. Even though the Reform movement had ordained one woman, Regina Jonas, in Germany before the Holocaust, she had perished with her congregation in the concentration camps, and was largely forgotten by the mainstream Jewish world for many decades to come. But on this day in October of 1957, the sisterhood leaders of Beth Israel Congregation discussed the issue in Waterville, Maine. According to synagogue records, “Mrs. George Chesner introduced Rabbi Steinberg who was the speaker of the evening. His topic - ‘Women Rabbis’.” Sisterhood secretary Esther Paikowsky recorded his remarks: “Rabbi Steinberg is definitely opposed to women following this 1 profession. One reason being that there would not be a ‘Rebbetzin (a rabbi’s wife), and since a ‘Rebbetzin’ has functional duties in a congregation, it would not do to have the husband perform these duties. Another objection is who would raise the family and care for the home, certainly a man cannot do that. Therefore a man
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Wedding Guide for Interfaith Couples Contents
    Jewish Wedding Guide for Interfaith Couples Contents Jewish Wedding Section 1: Finding Your Officiant(s) and Choosing a Date...............1 Section 2: Elements of a Jewish Wedding Ceremony .................5 Guide for Interfaith Ketubah signing, Processional, Circling, Blessing over the wine, Families Ring Ceremony, Seven Blessings, Breaking the glass, Recessional, Yichud Section 3: Ritual Objects and Clothing .............................10 www.18Doors.org Section 4: Invitations, Programs and Food ..........................14 Section 5: Issues Specific to Jewish-Christian eddingsW ..............17 Section 6: Issues Specific to Jewish-Muslim, Jewish-Hindu and Jewish-Buddhist Weddings ...................................21 Section 7: Managing Family Dynamics and Planning Your Wedding.......................................23 Section 8: Pre-marital Counseling ................................ 26 Section 9: Before the Wedding: Connecting with Other Couples...... 28 Section 10: Sample Ceremonies and Definitions for Wedding Programs .......................................... 29 Section 1: Finding Your Officiant(s) and Choosing a Date Timing and Location of a are more flexible. If your ceremony is Jewish/Interfaith Wedding co-officiated, make sure you clear your If you’re thinking of having a rabbi or cantor wedding site with both officiants prior to officiate your wedding, keep in mind that contracting for a venue. Different religious most Jewish clergy observe a number of communities have different requirements. limitations and restrictions on both the location and timing of weddings they perform. The rules vary a bit from one The Sabbath movement of Judaism (denomination) to Traditionally speaking, in Judaism weddings another, but here are some of the most do not take place on the Jewish Sabbath common limitations. (Shabbat). Shabbat begins at sundown If your ceremony is co-officiated, make sure you clear your wedding site with both officiants prior to contracting for a venue.
    [Show full text]
  • Lacatul Si Cheia
    LACATUL SI CHEIA 41. Rabbi Chiya şi Rabbi Yosi se plimbau pe un drum. Când au ajuns la o câmpie, Rabbi Chiya i-a spus lui Rabbi Yosi, „Cuvintele BARAH SHEET (şase create) cu siguranţă fac aluzie laBERESHEET , deoarece cele şase Zile Cereşti, VAK de Bina, strălucesc peste Tora (ZA), în timp ce altele, GAR de Bina, sunt ascunse.” ZA al lumii Atzilut este numit Tora. Cele şase Zile Cereşti suntVAK de Bina care se află deasupraZA . De aceea, primul cuvânt al Torei, BERESHEET = BARAH (creat) şi SHEET (şase) indică faptul căSfira Bina se întoarce către Sfira Hochma cu scopul de a primi Ohr Hochma şi de a o transfera la ZA. deoarece ZA este incapabil să primească toată Ohr Hochma (GAR de Hochma, Lumina celor zece Sfirot) de la Bina, ci doar VAK de Hochma (Lumina celor şase Sfirot), acest lucru este subliniat în cuvântul BARAH SHEET – ŞASE CREATE. Aceasta înseamnă că ZA primeşte de la Bina, Lumina de la doar şase Sfirot, HGT NHY sau VAK de Hochma, în timp ce GAR de Hochma, Lumina Sfirot KHB, este ascunsă de el. Motivul este că, deşi Partzuf Atik aparţine lui Tzimtzum Aleph (prima restricţie), este obligat să strălucească în jos, peste toate celelalte Partzufim ale lumii Atzilut şi peste toate lumile BYA cu Lumina lui Tzimtzum Bet. De aceea, cu privire la Partzufim inferioare, ele apar ca Partzuf care aparţine lui Tzimtzum Bet. Cu alte cuvinte, intenţionat el şi-a autoimpus o limită exterioară (referitor la celelalte) pentru a permitePartzufim inferioare să primească de la el. De aceea, el a înălţat-o Malchutpe de la Peh la Eynaim şi a făcut unZivug deasupra ecranului ce stă în Nikvey Eynaim, în acest fel dând naştere Partzuf –ului AA.
    [Show full text]
  • RABBI YAAKOV GIBBER Torah Reading Pg
    PARSHAS EMOR RABBI YAAKOV GIBBER Torah Reading Pg. 672 Morah Da’asra Haftorah Pg. 1176 18 Iyar - 25 Iyar 5781 April 30 - May 7, 2021 BJC INSIDER The BJC Insider is generously sponsored this week by Rabbi Efrem & Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg in honor of our Yedidei Nefesh, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gibber. Thank you for your friendship, leadership and partnership. A Place for Lifelong Learning, Community & Friendship h Executive Committee: Sidney Sayovitz - President Dr. Yakov Elefant Radine Spier Warren Struhl Hindy Stuart Dr. Charles Trauring h Executive Director: Matthew Hocherman 21065 Powerline Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433 (561) 477-8872 • bocajewishcenter.org • [email protected] WEEKLY AND SHABBOS SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKDAY DAVENING SCHEDULE April 30 May 2 - May 7 Plag Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 6:15 pm Shacharis Sunday 8:00 & 9:00 am Earliest Candle Lighting 6:30 pm Shacharis Monday - Friday 6:45 & 8:30 am Zman Candle Lighting 7:34 pm Mincha/Maariv Sunday - Thursday 7:40 pm Zman Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 7:35 pm FRIDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE SHABBOS DAY SCHEDULE May 7 May 1 Plag Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 6:15 pm Hashkama Minyan 7:30 am Earliest Candle Lighting 6:34 pm Main Minyan 9:00 am Zman Candle Lighting 7:38 pm Young Professionals/Teen Minyan 9:45 am Zman Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos 7:40 pm Youth Groups (Ages 3 - 11) 9:45 - 11:00 am Latest time to say Shema 10:00 am SHABBOS DAY SCHEDULE Latest time for Shacharis 11:06 am Shabbos Afternoon Rabbi’s Class 6:35 pm May 8 Hashkama Minyan 7:30 am Mincha followed by Shalosh Seudos 7:20 pm Main Minyan 9:00 am Shkiah 7:52 pm Young Professionals/Teen Minyan 9:45 am Maariv and Havdalah 8:30 pm Shabbos Afternoon Rabbi’s Class 6:40 pm Mincha followed by Shalosh Seudos 7:25 pm Maariv and Havdalah 8:34 pm SHALOM ZACHOR INFORMATION MAZEL TOV TO OUR MEMBERS The Feingolds invite the entire community to the h David & Shaina Feingold on the birth of their son.
    [Show full text]
  • SPIRITUAL JEWISH WEDDING Checklist
    the SPIRITUAL JEWISH WEDDING checklist created by Micaela Ezra dear friend, Mazal tov on your upcoming wedding! I am so happy you have found your way here. I have created this very brief “Spiritual Jewish Wedding Checklist” as a guide to use as you are planning your wedding. It evolved after a conversation with Karen Cinnamon of Smashing The Glass, in response to the need for more soulful Jewish wedding inspirations and advice online. So much of the organization (as essential as it is) can distract us from the true essence of the wedding day. I hope these insights and suggestions, can help keep you on track as you navigate the process, and that as a result, the day is as meaningful for you and your guests, as it is beautiful. I wish you an easy, joyful journey as you plan, and a sublime, euphoric wedding day! With love and Blessings, For more information, or to reach out, please visit www.micaelaezra.com www.ahyinjudaica.com ONE The lead up. What’s it all about? Get clear about what the meaning of the wedding is to you. Always have at the back of your mind the essence of what you’re working to- ward. It can help you to hold things in perspective. This is a holy and sacred day, in which two halves of a soul are reunited and with G-d’s blessing and participation. The rest is decoration. How Do You Want to Feel? Clearly define HOW YOU WANT TO FEEL at your wedding, and what you want your guests to feel.
    [Show full text]
  • The Soul of a Jew and the Soul of a Non-Jew an Inconvenient Truth and the Search for an Alternative
    47 The Soul of a Jew and the Soul of a Non-Jew An Inconvenient Truth and the Search for an Alternative By: HANAN BALK Holiness is not found in the human being in essence unless he sanctifies himself. According to his preparation for holiness, so the fullness comes upon him from on High. A person does not acquire holiness while inside his mother. He is not holy from the womb, but has to labor from the very day he comes into the air of the world. 1 Introduction: The Soul of a Jew is Superior to that of a Non-Jew The view expressed in the above heading—as uncomfortable and racially charged as it may be in the minds of some—was undoubtedly, as we shall show, the prominent position maintained by authorities of Jewish thought throughout the ages, and continues to be so even today. While Jewish mysticism is the source and primary expositor of this theory, it has achieved a ubiquitous presence not only in the writings of Kabbalists,2 but also in the works of thinkers found in the libraries of most observant Jews, who hardly consider themselves followers of Kabbalah. Clearly, for one committed to the Torah and its principles, it is not tenable to presume that so long as he is not a Kabbalist, such a belief need not be a part of his religious worldview. Is there an alternative view that is an equally authentic representation of Jewish thought on the subject? In response to this question, we will 1 R. Simhạ Bunim of Przysukha, Kol Simha,̣ Parshat Miketz, p.
    [Show full text]
  • CCAR Journal the Reform Jewish Quarterly
    CCAR Journal The Reform Jewish Quarterly Halachah and Reform Judaism Contents FROM THE EDITOR At the Gates — ohrgJc: The Redemption of Halachah . 1 A. Brian Stoller, Guest Editor ARTICLES HALACHIC THEORY What Do We Mean When We Say, “We Are Not Halachic”? . 9 Leon A. Morris Halachah in Reform Theology from Leo Baeck to Eugene B . Borowitz: Authority, Autonomy, and Covenantal Commandments . 17 Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi The CCAR Responsa Committee: A History . 40 Joan S. Friedman Reform Halachah and the Claim of Authority: From Theory to Practice and Back Again . 54 Mark Washofsky Is a Reform Shulchan Aruch Possible? . 74 Alona Lisitsa An Evolving Israeli Reform Judaism: The Roles of Halachah and Civil Religion as Seen in the Writings of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism . 92 David Ellenson and Michael Rosen Aggadic Judaism . 113 Edwin Goldberg Spring 2020 i CONTENTS Talmudic Aggadah: Illustrations, Warnings, and Counterarguments to Halachah . 120 Amy Scheinerman Halachah for Hedgehogs: Legal Interpretivism and Reform Philosophy of Halachah . 140 Benjamin C. M. Gurin The Halachic Canon as Literature: Reading for Jewish Ideas and Values . 155 Alyssa M. Gray APPLIED HALACHAH Communal Halachic Decision-Making . 174 Erica Asch Growing More Than Vegetables: A Case Study in the Use of CCAR Responsa in Planting the Tri-Faith Community Garden . 186 Deana Sussman Berezin Yoga as a Jewish Worship Practice: Chukat Hagoyim or Spiritual Innovation? . 200 Liz P. G. Hirsch and Yael Rapport Nursing in Shul: A Halachically Informed Perspective . 208 Michal Loving Can We Say Mourner’s Kaddish in Cases of Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Nefel? . 215 Jeremy R.
    [Show full text]