Kathryn A. Frazier
COPYEDITOR ~ WRITER ~ MERRYMAKER
Tag: Judaism
What is Jesus doing in my Jewish Bible?
Israel Cohen grew up in a Jewish family, believing that Jesus is for Gentiles. He was surprised to see Jesus in his Jewish Bible.
Tu B’ Shevat: Birthday of the Trees!
When God first breathed life into the first human being, the first responsibility he gave that man was to take care of the earth. God gave Adam plants and trees to tend, and animals as companions, before the creation of the first woman (Genesis 2:15-22). Before allowing the earth to be populated by humans, God made sure man understood it was his responsibility to nurture and protect the earth for the coming generations.
NOT Jewish Christmas: Why we celebrate Hanukkah
“But that’s your Christmas,” my neighbor insisted, after I explained to her that the menorah on the table was for Hanukkah.
“No,” I said,”It’s not. It’s Hanukkah.”
“Right. Your Christmas.” She smiled her tolerant smile.
“It’s a different thing…” I started, but she had made up her mind…
Cool Anniversary from the Bible Falls on Halloween
This year, a very cool anniversary from the Bible falls on Halloween. Halloween Day, October 31, 2013, will be the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, which is believed to be…
Levity: It’s Not Just for Levites on Purim
Purim is the one day of the year to strip away all pretenses and reveal to ourselves who we really are beneath the self-control of rational thinking.
Happy Holiday? What Holiday?
John greeted the man with a hearty, “Merry Christmas!” He smiled, shook my husband’s hand and answered politely, “Merry Christmas.” At this, the realization of the man’s Jewishness smacked John on the brain and knocked something loose.
Christian Pilgrims Celebrated Sukkot in the New World
The Pilgrims celebrated Sukkot in the New World at their first harvest, inviting their new Native American friends to join them. The Wampanoag people at that time followed neither Judaism nor Christianity. That didn’t stop them from celebrating life and harvest with their Christian neighbors, nor did it stop devout Pilgrims from celebrating with them. That celebration became what is known in America today as Thanksgiving.
Why Would God Hate our Festivals?
God said, “I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening.” Isaiah 1:13-15
High Holidays: What if I Do it Wrong?
This should be the sweetest time of the year. But, for some, the High Holidays produce incredible anxiety. What if I don’t know Hebrew? Can I say the prayers in English? What if I don’t have a proper kiddush cup? Can I use a wine glass? What if my family doesn’t observe the days? Should I celebrate without them? What if I hate the taste of apples and honey? Do I have to eat it?
Was the earth populated by incest?
“God created Adam and Eve. The rest of the earth was populated by incest.” Why incest between consensual adults, before the time of Moses, was neither religiously nor genetically taboo.
