However, I try to keep in mind the way that I feel after I have accomplished a day of fasting and religious focus. I always feel proud of myself for accomplishing something that is difficult and requires so much discipline and self-control. And, my newfound gratitude for food and water brings my everyday life into focus in a way that only fasting can.
When you live comfortably, it is easy to take food for granted. For at least the first few days after Yom Kippur, each drop of water and each bite of even mediocre food carries a special gratitude and significance with it. And, even though this appreciation fades fairly quickly, it is a gift that Judaism gives to me, a gift I would not know otherwise, a gift we could all stand to receive.
So, while the High Holidays mean so much more than just food, I believe that the relevancy of these ancient holidays lies in the purposeful meaning that each of us experiences during these holy times.
The coming month brings four major Jewish holidays. I wish you and your family shalom during this most special time. L'Shanah Tova!
If you're looking for fun and informative web sites about the High Holidays, please consult the following list of resources and indexes:
Rosh Hashanah- September 11, 1999 http://www.jewishfamily.com/scripts/NewJ... http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/elu... http://www.maven.co.il/subjects.asp?S=122
Send Electronic Greetings for the New Year! http://www1.bluemountain.com/eng/roshhas... http://www.egreetings.com
Days of Awe (The 10 days in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday3.htm
Yom Kippur- September 20, 1999 http://www.jewishfamily.com/scripts/NewJ... http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/yom... http://www.maven.co.il/subjects.asp?S=123
Sukkot- September 25, 1999
http://www.maven.co.il/subjects.asp?S=124
http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday5.htm
Shemini Atzeret and Simkhat Torah- October 2, 1999 http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday6.htm
 |
Go To Page: 1
