Your Story. Your voice. the best it can be.
“I am for my Beloved and my Beloved is for me.” (Song of Solomon 6:3) In Hebrew, it’s ah-nee le-doh-dee, ve-doh-dee lee. The Hebrew month of Elul (אֱלוּל), which we are now in, is an acronym for this verse, and serves as a time of preparation for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Twenty-seven years ago, I prepared to marry my beshert, my destiny. Friends gathered around and fussed over my gown, . . .
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
Rosh Hashana, the Biblical Feast of Trumpets and the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset tonight (Wednesday, September 28, 2011)!
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?
Your Story. Your voice. the best it can be.
A personal blog by John Parsons, author of the Hebrew for Christians web site.
Your Story. Your voice. the best it can be.
Your Story. Your voice. the best it can be.
Your Story. Your voice. the best it can be.
Author, Blogger, Social Media Jedi