Jewish Treats

Midnight

2009-12-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

A day is divided into 24 equal units of time (hours). Different cultures, however, define the beginning (and end) of a day differently. For instance, while a day on the Gregorian calendar begins at 12 midnight, a day on the Jewish calendar begins at sunset.

“Jewish” midnight varies each day, occurring at the moment that truly is, mathematically, the middle of the night--exactly half the hours between sunset and sunrise. Precise moments like midnight, however, are difficult to define, especially as it changes from day to day based on the position of the sun.

Even the ancient sages questioned the ability of humans to calculate exact midnight (Talmud Berachot 3b), pointing out that even Moses was uncertain and citing Exodus 11:4, when Moses relayed God’s final plans to Pharaoh and stated: “About midnight, I will go out into the midst of Egypt” (Exodus 11:4).

On the other hand, the sages noted that King David stated in Psalm 119:62: “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto You.” According to Rabbi Simeon the Pious, “A harp was hanging above David's bed. As soon as midnight arrived, a North wind came and blew upon it and it played of itself. He [King David] arose immediately and studied the Torah till the break of dawn” (Talmud Berachot 3b).

After the destruction of the Holy Temple, a custom arose among the very pious to recite a special midnight service of mourning, Tikkun Chatzot. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (the Chofetz Chaim, Poland 1838-1933) noted in his Mishnah Berurah that “The Kabbalists have discussed at great length the importance of rising at midnight and how great this is” (Mishnah Berurah 1:3). This custom is not very widespread now, except in certain Sephardi and Chassidic communities.

Your Midnight

2009-12-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

If you plan on being out tonight, check the time given for chatzot and pause to think about the Jewish significance of the moment. (Check out myzmanim.com for local times.)

The Blessings of the Amidah: Rebuilding Jerusalem

2009-12-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The fourteenth blessing begins a new focus on the time of redemption, beginning with the restoration of Jerusalem. This rebuilding is about more than a physical presence. It is rather about a spiritual center in which there is once again a Holy Temple.

V'lee’ru’sha’layim eer’cha b’rachamim ta’shuv, v’tish’kohn b’tocha ka’asher dee’barta, oov’nay oh’tah b’kah’rov b’yah’maynu binyan olam, v’chee’say David m’hay’rah l’toh’cha tah’cheen. Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai bonay Yerushalayim.

To Jerusalem, Your city, may You return in compassion, and may You dwell in it as You promised. May You rebuild it rapidly in our days as an everlasting structure, and install within it soon the throne of David. Blessed are You, Lord, who builds Jerusalem.

--Translation reproduced with permission from The Koren Sacks Siddur,
© Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.

A Lullaby Blessing

2009-12-30T07:15:00.001-08:00

In the Talmud (Berachot 5a), Rabbi Yitzchak is quoted saying: "Whoever recites the Bedtime Shema is as though he held a two-edged sword in his hand [to protect him against demons]...” While it is a Torah commandment to say the Shema (Hear O’ Israel the Lord Our God the Lord is One) twice a day, it is also customary to recite it before retiring in the evening.

In addition to the Shema and the V’ahavta paragraph that follows it, the complete “Bedtime Shema” includes additional prayers that focus on asking for God’s protection during the hours of sleep. One of the best known of these prayers is Hamalach Hago’el:

“May the angel who redeems me from all evil, bless the youths, and may my name be declared upon them--and the names of my forefathers, Abraham and Isaac--and may they proliferate like fish within the land” (Genesis 48:16).

This verse is a direct quote of what the dying Jacob said when he blessed his Egyptian born grandsons, Ephraim and Menashe. Jacob foresaw through prophecy that they would be the prototypes of so many of his descendants, born in exile. He therefore called on God to give them a special angel (divine messenger) to protect them.

While there is no official reason given that explains why the prayer “Hamalach” was added to the Bedtime Shema, perhaps one could conjecture that it has to do with how vulnerable people are when they sleep. Sleep could, in fact, be seen as a time when the soul is in “exile.”

Because of its reference to youth, this particular prayer is a popular children’s lullaby, as well. Many parents put their children to sleep by reciting the Shema to them or with them, followed by this soothing petition for Divine protection.

Nighty Night

2009-12-30T07:14:00.002-08:00

Add Hamalach to your nightly bedtime routine. (It's not just for kids!)

The Morning Blessings-Blessing #12: Every Step

2009-12-30T07:14:00.001-08:00

Every morning, a set of 15 blessings is recited to express our thanks to God for all the things that we, as healthy human beings, are capable of doing.

Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o’lam ha’maychin mitz’a’day ga’ver.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who makes firm the steps of man.

This blessing could be seen in two ways. On a basic level, we need to thank God for our ability to walk. From a more philosophical viewpoint, we need to thank God for helping us live our lives, make choices, and move toward success.

--Translation reproduced with permission from The Koren Sacks Siddur,
© Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.

More Than Just Trees

2009-12-29T10:51:00.001-08:00

Thousands of blue boxes and a dream that encompassed a nation...that was the foundation of the Jewish National Fund (JNF or Keren Kayemet L'Israel). Today, JNF is best known for its commitment to environmentalism and its dogged campaign to reforest the land of Israel (you know, plant a tree in honor/memory of a loved one).

One might say, however, that JNF was founded as a giant real estate conglomerate whose sole client was the Jewish people. At the Fifth Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in 1901, the assembled delegates discussed (as they had at previous congresses) the establishment of a national fund to purchase land in Palestine. When the Congress tabled the motion, Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement, stepped forward and called upon his colleagues to reconsider their hesitations. After his passionate speech, a new vote was held and the Fund was established.

The Zionist Congress resolved to raise 200,000 pounds sterling...and so it began, donation by donation, much of it collected in little blue charity boxes from around the world. In fact, these blue charity boxes (or pushkahs) became a symbol of the Zionist movement.

When JNF acquired its first parcel of land in Hadera, it immediately began planting trees, an act vital to the development of the land. Much of what had once been arable land had been overworked or neglected. The topsoil had been eroded. The trees helped revitalize the land.

In time, after the creation of the State of Israel, JNF was transformed into an organization that dealt with a wide variety of Israel’s needs, from environmental to employment for new immigrants. Today, JNF is principally focused on the Negev desert, investing in new and innovative ways to bring life to the harsh desert climate, and dealing with Israel’s critical water resource issues.

Guardian of the Earth

2009-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

As all humans are guardians of the earth, support environmental movements, both local and in Israel.

Weights and Measures

2009-12-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

The last century has seen the rise, fall and transformation of several major economic-political philosophies (socialism, communism, capitalism). The primary economic philosophy of the Torah is, fundamentally, ethical fairness. If one works hard and becomes rich, wonderful--just don’t forget those less fortunate.

Jewish business ethics are derived directly from the Torah. For instance, “You shall do no injustice in judgment, in length, in weight, or in measure” (Leviticus 19:35). Common sense would certainly assume that every society abides by a rule such as this. After all, no one wants to be cheated. And yet the desire to cheat is quite tantalizing. We read about crooked business dealings all the time.

In fact, in the 14th century, Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher (“Ba’al Ha’turim,” Spain, 1270 -c.1340) wrote, in the business section of his legal code Arba’ah Turim, that a community is required to appoint people to examine all public scales and measures and to oversee the community’s businesses. These officials, he instructed, must have the ability to fine or punish (Choshen Mishpat 231:2).

People will always look for ways to “get ahead.” But, in truth, any success they have through such immoral measures is counter-balanced on the heavenly scale. In fact, the sages in the Talmud Baba Batra (88b), declared that “Punishment for [false] measures is more severe than the punishment for illicit sexual relations." Why? Because you can cease doing and repent from illicit relations. In order to fully repent from false measures, however, one must be able to make financial restitution to those who were cheated, and that is often very hard to do, especially when stealing from the public.

Talking Shop

2009-12-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

When discussing business, weigh your words carefully so as not to mislead the other person/people.

The Tenth of Tevet

2009-12-26T19:17:00.002-08:00

And it was in the ninth year of [King Zeddekiah’s] reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth (day) of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, came, he and all his legions, upon Jerusalem, and encamped upon it and built forts around it. And the city came under siege until the eleventh year of King Zeddekiah. On the ninth of the month [of Tammuz] the famine was intense in the city, the people had no bread, and the city was breached. (The Second Book of Kings 25:1-4)

Siege! The word itself resonates with pain and suffering. In the case of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in (587 B.C.E.), siege was also the beginning of the end.

Having just vanquished the great Assyrian empire, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, sent his troops to quell any rebellion in the land of Judea, whose heart was the city of Jerusalem. The siege lasted for a year and a half. During this time, the city suffered immensely. Starvation, thirst, disease...all the horrors of siege were borne out, just as it had been predicted by the prophet Jeremiah.

The siege of Jerusalem was the first step in what would become the Babylonian exile. When the Babylonians finally broke through the walls of the city, they destroyed the Holy Temple built by King Solomon. Adding to this great tragedy was the fact that the majority of the Jewish people were then exiled to Babylon.

The great sages declared the Tenth of Tevet, the day that the fateful siege began, as a fast day from sunrise to nightfall, to provide a time for people to reflect on their actions and do teshuva (repentance).

This year, the Tenth of Tevet is Sunday, December 27, 2009. For more information on the fast, please visit www.njop.org.

*This Treat was originally published on January 5, 2009. It is being re-Treated to help us better understand the Fast of the Tenth of Tevet.

Break Fast With Meaning

2009-12-26T19:17:00.001-08:00

During dinner, after the fast, discuss with family or friends how fasting impacts the way you think about the day.

Nittel Nacht

2009-12-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

Jews of the 21st century may comment, or even grumble, about the pervasiveness of Christmas in our society, but, let’s be honest, in this day and age, the effects of the holiday season are rather benign. Of course, we must still deal with frequent questions from our children about festive trees and the jolly guy in the red suit. But, nowadays, people do their own thing.

It might surprise some to know that Christmas Eve actually has a name in Ashkenazi Jewish tradition: Nittel Nacht. In many Ashkenazi communities, particularly in Chassidic communities, it is customary NOT to learn any Torah on Nittel Nacht from sundown until midnight. After midnight, however, one is encouraged to study.

Nittel (which may mean either hanged/crucified or birth) Nacht (night) is a custom whose origins are, unfortunately, lost. Many believe that the custom of not studying Torah on December 24th arose as a pragmatic act of protection. On a night of religious fervor among their Christian neighbors, and during days when one needed no real excuse to start a murderous pogrom, it was safest, perhaps, for Jews to stay inside their darkened homes rather than venture out to study collectively in a hall/synagogue. Other opinions believe it may be a custom that was established to minimize any feeling of holiness on that night. Still others opine that it is an act of mourning, commemorating the suffering of the Jewish people during various periods of the “Christian Age.”

In Jewish life, customs have a strength of their own. Whatever the reason for Nittel Nacht, it is a custom that is still followed in various Ashkenazi communities around the world.

Smells Good

2009-12-24T06:36:00.000-08:00

Bake challah for tomorrow night.
(see below for recipe)

Challah Recipe

2009-12-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

From NJOP's Gourmet Shabbat:
Miriam Weinrib: CHALLAH (yields 5 medium challahs)
5 pounds flour
1 cup oil
3 tbsp. salt
5 eggs
4 ounces fresh yeast,
4 cups warm water
1½ cups sugar

Directions
1) Put flour, salt and sugar in a bowl, form a well in the flour.

2) Dissolve yeast into 2 cups of the warm water with 1 tbsp. sugar.

3) Pour into the well — let sit for five minutes until yeast bubbles.

4) Add oil, 4 eggs and the rest of the water.

5) Knead well until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring
back when pressed with the fingertips.

6) When dough rises (approx. 2 hrs.), separate an olive-sized piece, and thoroughly burn it. (If 5 or more lbs. of flour are used, recite the blessing--Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech ha’o’lam ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu l’haph’reesh challah min ha’eesah Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us in His commandments and commanded us to separate the challah from the dough--before burning).

7) Form loaves. Brush lightly with 1 egg beaten with 1 tsp. of sugar.

8) Bake at 350 F for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

The Blessings of the Amidah: On Behalf of the Righteous

2009-12-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The thirteenth blessing is the opposite of the one before; it is a prayer for the righteous, with the hopes that their righteousness will influence the rest of the people and the fate of those around them.

Ahl ha’tza’dee’kim v’ahl ha’cha’see’dim, v’ahl zik’nay am’cha bet Yisrael, v’ahl play’tat sof’ray’hem, v’ahl gay’ray ha’tzedek v’ah’laynu, yeh’hem’noo rah’cha’meh’cha Ah’doh’nai Eh’lo’hay’nu, v’ten sah’char tov l’chol ha’bot’chim b’shimcha beh’eh’met, v’seem chel’kaynu ee’mah’hem l’olam, v’lo nay’vosh kee v’cha vah’tachnu. Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai mish’an oo’miv’tach la’tzah’dee’kim.

To the righteous, the pious, the elders of Your people the house of Israel, the remnant of their scholars, the righteous converts, and to us, may Your compassion be aroused, Lord our God. Grant a good reward to all who sincerely trust in Your name. Set our lot with them, so that we may never be ashamed, for in You we trust. Blessed are You, Lord, who is the support and trust of the righteous.

--Translation reproduced with permission from The Koren Sacks Siddur,
© Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.

What's In The Book: II Samuel

2009-12-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Second Book of Samuel chronicles the reign of King David.

After the death of King Saul, Ish-boshet, Saul’s only surviving son, declared himself king. The Tribe of Judah seceded from the kingdom and declared David their king. After a short civil war, the crown of Israel went to David, who eventually established Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom.

The kingdom of Israel was not yet viewed as an independent power, and so David, like his predecessor, spent much of his reign at war with varying neighbors. The Israelites made many of their enemies into their vassals.

One of the most famous (and complicated) stories from the Book of II Samuel is that of David and Bathsheba. David fell in love with Batsheba when he noticed her from his rooftop. Her husband, who was at war, was eventually killed after David ordered him placed in the most dangerous battle zone. David and Bathsheba married, but their first son died. Solomon was a later son of David and Bathsheba.

David’s family life takes up a large part of the narrative. He had eight wives (Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maachah, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, and Bathsheba - each with her own story). The sons named in the Tanach are: Amnon, Daniel, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, Ithream, Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishama, Elishua, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, and Eliada. He had other children who were born to concubines, as well. Only one daughter, Tamar, is named.

David had troubles with his older sons: Amnon raped his half-sister, Tamar, and was slain by her brother Absalom. Absalom and Adonijah each led a rebellion against their father.

David reigned over Israel for 40 years, during which time the kingdom was unified and its territory expanded.

Snow Days

2009-12-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

If your city has a major snowstorm, check on any elderly or housebound neighbors to make certain that they have everything they need.

The Morning Blessings-Blessing #10: Your Every Need

2009-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Dreyfus Affair

2009-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Dreyfus Affair is a story of intrigue and espionage, false accusations and hidden biases. It was also a demonstration that the so-called “enlightened” world of the late 19th century was not yet ready to accept a Jew as an equal.

In 1894, evidence that a French military officer was providing secret information to the German government was discovered in a wastebasket in the office of a German military attaché.

The real spy, Ferdinand Esterhazy, a member of the French General Staff, took advantage of rising anti-Semitism by forging some letters and accusing Captain Alfred Dreyfus (the only Jew on the General Staff) of spying for Germany.

Dreyfus was put on trial and convicted, based on fabricated evidence. Stripped of his rank, he was sent to Devil’s Island, where he remained from 1895 until 1899.

Only a few years after the Dreyfus trial, evidence came to light pointing the finger at Esterhazy, but, due to additional forged documents, an incredibly short trial, and the desire of the French army not to tarnish its reputation, Esterhazy was acquitted.

The lack of propriety in the proceedings was so obvious that Emile Zola, the noted French journalist, essayist and novelist, was inspired to write his famous essay J’Accuse, “I Accuse,” accusing the French government of injustice.

In 1899, Dreyfus was returned to the mainland for a second court-martial. And even though the court recognized that some of the documents were forgeries, they condemned Dreyfus to continued detention in prison. Unquestionably, they were influenced by the crowds running through the streets of Paris yelling, “Death to the Jews!”

Shortly thereafter, however, the President of the Republic of France, Émile Loubet, pardoned Dreyfus. It was not until 1906, however, that a civilian court of appeals actually exonerated Dreyfus of all charges.

Food, Glorious Food

2009-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Participate in your local seasonal food drive.

Moonbeam

2009-12-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

December 21, 1968/30 Kislev 5729 was the day on which the world held its breath as American astronauts set out for the moon. On this day, Apollo 8, with its three member crew, was launched and soon became the first manned spacecraft to successfully orbit the moon and return to earth.

Some ancient cultures once believed the moon to be a god (a form of idol worship). Judaism has its own traditions about the moon. According to the Talmud Chullin 60b, both the sun and moon were created the same size. However, the moon questioned God, asking how two great luminaries could rule the sky side-by-side, so God diminished its size. The moon’s new role was to mark time, waxing and waning through the course of the month.

The Apollo 8 astronauts, as the first humans to see the far side of the moon, might have seen themselves as bold pioneers, deserving of superior status. Yet history tells us that, rather than boasting of their triumph, William Anders, Jim Lovell, and Frank Borman read the first ten verses of Genesis (“In the beginning...”) to those listening back on earth.

The three astronauts recognized that, incredible as their accomplishment was, they were only a reflection of the brilliance of God. And while none of the astronauts were Jewish, their actions were in effect a true kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of God’s name.

Family Affair

2009-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Take a moment and contemplate how you are a reflection of the family in which you were raised. Call and thank family members who had a positive impact on your life.

The Challenge of Fitting In

2009-12-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

The weekly Torah reading of Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17), which always coincides with Chanukah, tells the story of the rise of Joseph the son of Jacob from slave to viceroy. And while Miketz contains no Jewish oppression, no battles, and no outright miracles, Joseph’s story could well be viewed as a stark contrast to the story of Chanukah.

The story of Joseph is an affirmation of how to remain true to one’s faith while still succeeding in non-Jewish society. He spoke Egyptian without an accent and pretended not to understand Hebrew. He dressed in royal robes. The people called him Zaphenath Pa'neach. Joseph was so well disguised by his Egyptian identity that even his own brothers could not recognize him.

Throughout his stunning career, however, Joseph never forgot who he was. When Joseph finally revealed himself, he declared: “. . .for it was to preserve life that God sent me before you” (Genesis 45:5).

Joseph recognized that his ability to maintain his faith, while living as an Egyptian, was beyond most people. That is why, when his entire family came to settle in Egypt, he asked Pharaoh to allow them to settle in Goshen as shepherds, separated from the Egyptian people by land and profession.

Chanukah celebrates Jewish identity and the determination of the people to fight assimilation. When the Syrian-Greeks conquered the land of Israel, they presented their Hellenistic lifestyle as one that was exalted and universal. But as Jews took on the external affectations of the Greeks--their dress, their language, their names--they did not have Joseph’s strength to eschew the heathen practices that were integral to the Hellenistic lifestyle.

Assimilation into surrounding cultures with a corresponding loss of Jewish identity has always been a challenge for the Jewish people. Joseph met the challenge successfully, can we?

Bright Lights

2009-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight, light your eight Chanukah candles before you light your Shabbat candles.