L'Shana Tova- Happy Jewish New Year!

[Ed Shapiro]

For those who are celebrating the Jewish High Holy Days- Many you have a sweet, successful, joyous and fulfilling New Year and experience all the wonderful things that life has to offer- love- family and good friends.

Oh- You don't have to be Jewish and wait for January 1st- our best wishes to all!

Ed & Helen (the year 5770)

[blumesan]

And the same to you and yours.

[Pony]

My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter.I will pray for the peace of Jerusalem.Shalom,Ed,to both of you.

[TimBlodgett]

Rosh Hashanah snuck up on me this year. Are you fasting tomorrow ed?

[badpickev]

all my best to you and your ed.

[Ed Shapiro]

Hi Tim- Fasting is next week -YOM KIPPUR- The Day of Atonment. It is great to see that many religions have more similarities than differences. Poeple of the Muslim faith fast by day for a longer time during Ramadan. Catholics give up something for Lent. The main thing I hope and pray for is peace and understanding between people of different faiths and cultures. I would hope to see some of this happening during my lifetime.

Sincerely, Ed

[TimBlodgett]

Originally Posted by Ed Shapiro

Hi Tim- Fasting is next week -YOM KIPPUR- The Day of Atonment. It is great to see that many religions have more similarities than differences. Poeple of the Muslim faith fast by day for a longer time during Ramadan. Catholics give up something for Lent. The main thing I hope and pray for is peace and understanding between people of different faiths and cultures. I would hope to see some of this happening during my lifetime.

Sincerely, Ed

My rabbi has us fasting for the fast of Gedalia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_of_Gedalia . I come from a conservative temple though.

[Ed Shapiro]

צוֹם גְּדַלְיָּה‎ Yes! I remember that from Hebrew School but surprisingly enough, I have never observed that fast. I come from an orthodox family but over the years, sadly, many of my observances have faded away. Perhaps it was my Viet Nam experience and other things but I no longer attend services on a regular basis and my Rabbi has resigned himself to the fact that I am merely an infrequent guest. Perhaps this is a poor excuse but I observe my religion in a more ethical way rather than in a ritualistic manner. To be helping people and maintaining honesty is more important to me than ritual although in memory of my parents and grandparents, I encourage my family to attend at the synagogue and we celebrate all the Holy Days.

My Cristian friends are often surprised at the number of denomination and sects within the practice of Judaism. There are several Reform divisions, Conservative, Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox. With in the Ultra Orthodox there has to be over 12 sects that I know of- it can get very complex as to who observes what and who is more religious than who. I try to keep it simple- treating others with respect and compassion, helping and being honest. Remembering those who have come before us is important to me as well. No one should ever have to be ashamed of their heritage.

Ed