“In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, there shall be a Passover offering to the Lord, and on the fifteenth day of that month the Lord’s Feast of Unleavened Bread.” (Leviticus 23:4-5)
There is a lot I feel unsure of at the moment, but I do know that Passover begins in less than two weeks, so allow me to wish you all a Happy New Year! Thursday, March 26 was the 1st day of Nisan, essentially the Jewish equivalent of January 1 on the Gregorian calendar. In Nisan we remember that the Jewish people emerged unharmed as they crossed YamSuf (The Sea of Reeds) reaching the nascent stages of Peoplehood. If you are wondering how it is possible for there to be a New Year in the spring and New Year in the fall, click here to learn more. Spoiler alert: There used to be four.
Speaking of “Peoplehood,” on Sunday, March 22, Jewish Peoplehood in the 21st century was redefined by a shared musical experience offered by The Jewish Agency for Israel(HaSachnut HaYehudit L’Eretz Yisrael). They live- streamed a living room concert offered by one of Israel’s premier artists, Idan Raichel. If you are not familiar with his humanitarian artistry, click on his name and prepare to be inspired. Scott and I watched in real time along with thousands of other Jews from every corner of the globe. We looked like family. We felt like family. I was moved to tears. Enjoy the recording of this informal, spiritual gathering HERE. (Idan appears live about 4 minutes into the recording).
Jason Feddy and I enjoyed preparing our second pre-Shabbat Videocast this week. Our guest, Rabbi Cantor Neil Blumofe of Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, Texas speaks about his synagogue’s daily minyan and what happened when he decided to video his morning davvening (prayers) on Facebook Live to help the regular group feel connected in the wake of needing to shelter-in-place. The “minyan” grew from 12 people in person to several hundred online. There is some powerful information to glean here regarding what Jewish community can look like going forward. One thing is for sure – we may never again have to sing this satirical ballad written by Country Yossi – Nobody Comes to the Minyan No More. Our entire conversation with Rabbi Neil can be seen on JCoOC’s Facebook Page.
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County innovates, supports and collaborates on community programming that enriches the landscape of OC Jewish life and encourages individuals, couples and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
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