FESTIVITIES & DAYS TO REMEMBER...

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T10:48:00.003-02:00

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays with origins going back thousands of years. The holiday we know as Halloween has had many influences from many cultures over the centuries. From the Roman's Pomona Day, to the Celtic festival of Samhain, to the Christian holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days.

Hundreds of years ago in what is now Great Britain and Northern France, lived the Celts. The Celts worshipped nature and had many gods, with the sun god as their favorite. It was "he" who commanded their work and their rest times, and who made the earth beautiful and the crops grow.

TRICK OR TREAT?

Sukkot & Simchat Torah

2008-10-17T11:23:00.004-03:00

Sukkot was agricultural in origin. This is evident from the name "The Feast of Ingathering," from the ceremonies accompanying it, and from the season and occasion of its celebration: "At the end of the year when you gather in your labors out of the field" (Ex. 23:16); "after you have gathered in from your threshing-floor and from your winepress" (Deut. 16:13). It was a thanksgiving for the fruit harvest (compare Judges 9:27). And in what may explain the festival’s name, Isaiah reports that grape harvesters kept booths in their vineyards (Isa. 1:8). Coming as it did at the completion of the harvest, Sukkot was regarded as a general thanksgiving for the bounty of nature in the year that had passed.

Simchat Torah (also Simchas Torah, Hebrew: שמחת תורה, lit., "Rejoicing with/of the Torah,") is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. Simchat Torah is a component of the Biblical Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, which follows immediately after the festival of Sukkot in the month of Tishrei (mid-September to early October on the Gregorian calendar).

The Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur

2008-10-08T10:48:00.002-03:00

JATIMÁ TOVÁ

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred of the Jewish holidays, the "Sabbath of Sabbaths."

By Yom Kippur the 40 days of repentance, that begin with the first of Elul, have passed. On Rosh Hashanah G-d has judged most of mankind and has recorded his judgement in the Book of Life. But he has given a 10 day reprieve.

On Yom Kippur the Book of Life is closed and sealed. Those that have repented for their sins are granted a good and happy New Year.

Since Yom Kippur is the day to ask forgiveness for promises broken to G-d, the day before is reserved for asking forgiveness for broken promises between people, as G-d cannot forgive broken promises between people.

Yom Kippur is a day of "NOT" doing. There is no blowing of the Shofar and Jews may not eat or drink, as fasting is the rule. It is believed that to fast on Yom Kippur is to emulate the angels in heaven, who do not eat, drink, or wash.

The Five Prohibitions of Yom Kippur
Eating and drinking
Anointing with perfumes or lotions
Marital relations
Washing
Wearing leather shoes
While Yom Kippur is devoted to fasting, the day before is devoted to eating. According to the The Talmud the person "who eats on the ninth of Tishri (and fasts on the tenth) , it is as if he had fasted both the ninth and tenth." Prayer is also down played so that Jews can concentrate on eating and preparing for the fast.

On the eve of Yom Kippur the community joins at the synagogue. Men put on prayer shawls (not usually worn in the evenings). Then as the night falls the cantor begins the "Kol Nidre", it is repeated 3 times, each time in a louder voice. The Kol Nidre emphasizes the importance in keeping vows, as violating an oath is one of the worst sins.

An important part of the Yom Kippur service is the "Vidui" (Viduy) or confession. The confessions serve to help reflect on ones misdeeds and to confess them verbally is part of the formal repentance in asking G-d's forgiveness. Because community and unity are an important part of Jewish Life, the confessions are said in the plural (We are guilty).

As Yom Kippur ends, at the last hour a service called "Ne'ila" (Neilah) offers a final opportunity for repentance. It is the only service of the year during which the doors to the Ark (where the Torah scrolls are stored) remain open from the beginning to end of the service, signifying that the gates of Heaven are open at this time.

The service closes with the verse, said 7 times, "The L-rd is our G-d." The Shofar is sounded once and the congregation proclaim - "Next year in Jerusalem."

Yom Kippur is over.

Rosh Hashanah

2008-09-29T09:43:00.003-03:00

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated the first and second days of Tishri. It is a time of family gatherings, special meals and sweet tasting foods. On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, after prayer services, a special greeting which is only said on this night “For a good year, may you be inscribed and sealed”. Everyone is judged by God on his or her actions during the previous year. The resulting judgement is inscribed by God and a person’s future is determined for the following year. Though that judgment is inscribed, it is not yet sealed and can still be changed at least for another ten days. God waits until Yom-Kippur to seal the book for the year. The essence of Rosh Hashannah, however, is not Teshuvah. Indeed, you will barely find the idea of Teshuvah or confession in Rosh Hashannah prayers at all. Rather the focus is on something perhaps even more basic - more complete understanding of our relationship with God. Realizing that God is the one and only King to which we owe our lives and allegiance.

21th September Student´s day

2008-09-19T11:33:00.002-03:00

Teacher's Day - September 11th

2008-09-10T14:30:00.004-03:00

Teacher’s Day in Argentina celebrated every 11th of September and it is a very significant day for the whole nation. In fact the whole country observes this as a national holiday . This is very memorable day for the people of Argentina because this is not only a teacher appreciation day - this is also the death anniversary of the country’s former president and great educator, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. During his presidency, he initiated many reforms in education that gave significant contribution to the country’s outstanding educational history. He also established the Naval School, Military School, agronomy and forestry school in San Juan, Mendoza, Salta and Tucuman. The former president also established primary schools in many provinces of the country. He served as Governor in 1868 and in later years as President until 1874.

San Martin

2008-08-15T11:38:00.004-03:00

San Martin was born in Yapeyu, in the Argentine province of Corrientes, beside the mighty Uruguay river, on February 25th 1778.

San Martin- bibliography[1] - Upload a Document to Scribd

18 July 2008

2008-07-17T08:59:00.006-03:00

14th Anniversary of the terrorist attack on the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires - 18 July 1994

Fourteen years ago today, 18 July, a huge explosion rocked the city of Buenos Aires - the second murderous attack against Israeli and Jewish targets in Argentina.

About the flag

2008-06-19T08:47:00.004-03:00

In 1944 was done the first modern effort to regulate and legislate about the Argentine symbols. The purpose was to standardize criteria and legislate what remained unlegislated. As usual, though, some things were looked over, especially about the flag. Therefore in 1985 and 1999 new legislation took place. However, some details are still left unclear. For instance, the color of the sun as well as its features, is not described by law, neither that it should appear on both sides of the flag.
A complete and exhaustive legislation about the [Argentine] national symbols is missing. An inter-ministry commission, in which the [Argentine History] Academy participated by way of one of its members, elaborated in the years (?) 1989 a law draft that was presented to the Congress [the argentine parliament], but wasn’t considered for voting after all. More recently some legislators have presented more drafts, but only about the flag. These remained as drafts only.
The Argentine standard was conceived by General Belgrano, at the place where today is located the city of Rosario. He got the inspiration while he was staring at the sky, just before a battle, at the shores of the Paraná.

Manuel Belgrano, Creator of the National Flag of Argentina

2008-06-19T08:33:00.002-03:00

MANUEL BELGRANO’S STATUE AND FLAG IN PLAZA DE MAYO, BUENOS AIRES

Manuel Belgrano was indeed a man of many talents - national flag designing was just the tip of the iceberg.
For a start, his full name was Manuel José Joaquín del Corazón de Jesús Belgrano, but not only that, Buenos Aires born Belgrano was a successful lawyer, politician, economist and military leader.
Belgrano and the Dia de la Bandera de Argentina
Most importantly of all, Belgrano was a commander in the Argentine Wars of Independence, making himself a national hero in the process. It was during this time, in 1812, that Belgrano created the national flag of Argentina, for his troops to fight under.
Belgrano later died on June 20th, 1820, which is why we celebrate the Dia de la Bandera here in Argentina on the anniversary of his death each year.

What is Shavuot?

2008-06-03T14:04:00.005-03:00

Shavuot is the second of the three major festivals (Passover being the first, and Sukkot the third) and occurs exactly fifty days after the second day of Passover. This holiday marks the anniversary of the day when we received the Torah at Mount Sinai.

This is a biblical holiday complete with special prayers, holiday candle lighting and kiddush, and many forms of work and labor are prohibited.

The word "Shavuot" means "weeks": It marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. During these seven weeks, the Jewish people cleansed themselves of the scars of Egyptian slavery and became a holy nation, ready to enter into an eternal covenant with G d with the giving of the Torah.

On this day, we received a gift from Above which we could not have achieved with our own limited faculties. We received the ability to reach and touch the Divine; not only to be cultivated human beings, but Divine human beings who are capable of rising above and beyond the limitations of nature.

Before the giving of the Torah, we were a family and a community. The experience of Sinai bonded us into a new entity: the Jewish people, the Chosen Nation. This holiday is likened to our wedding day -- beneath the wedding canopy of Mount Sinai, G d betrothed us to Him. G d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him.

Every year on the holiday of Shavuot, we reenact this historic moment. G d re-gives the Torah, and we lovingly reaccept, and reaffirm our fidelity to Him alone.

May 25th

2008-05-20T13:43:00.004-03:00

May 25th. is not a common national holiday, a day when you don’t work or go to school. On this date we celebrate one of the most important events which constitute the foundation on which our country was built. During May Revolution (La Revolución de Mayo) the future of a colony- which wanted to grow and develop as an independent country was at stake.

We then celebrate May 25th. as the day when a group of patriots enlightened the way towards Independence.

Iom Haatzmaut

2008-05-06T13:49:00.005-03:00

The State of Israel after 60 Years—a Dream after the Dream

On May 14th of 1948, during an armed conflict that had begun six months previously, and which would continue for one more year, the Jewish government of Palestine declared the independence of the new State of Israel. Thus began the story of a new country, which, though not accepted by all, was quickly integrated into the countries of the world. The history of the State of Israel, however, began long before. We would have to go back at least another sixty years in order to begin to understand why the Jewish state forever changed the identity, references, and customs of the majority of Jews in all four corners of the globe.

Up until the present day the majority of Jews in the world live outside Israel. Why then is it such a central point of reference for all of us? What is, what was, what would continue to be the difference between the existence and non-existence of a Jewish state for Jews who are citizens of other states?
In responding to these questions, a good starting point would be a world very different to the one we know today.

Yom HaShoah

2008-04-29T13:29:00.003-03:00

Once again Yom Hashoah is coming up.

And, in general, we forget the full name of this day: Yom Hashoah Vehagvurah.

The translation of “shoah” is not simple. The term is taken from the verse of the prophet Isaiah (47:11) that says: “Therefore shall evil come upon you; you shall not know from where it rises; and mischief shall fall upon you; you shall not be able to put it off; and desolation [“shoah”] shall come upon you suddenly, which you shall not know.”

This “shoah,” this “desolation,” refers to a phenomenon that razes, like a kind of hurricane that leaves nothing standing in its wake.

But this day is also the day of “Gvurah,” that is to say of “heroism.” The kind that colored a great many acts with life; memorable acts, small and enormous, that gave a fresh and quickening breath to faint and lifeless age.

Why do we have a national holiday today?

2008-04-29T13:16:00.006-03:00

Let's learn a little bit about the history of Labour Day, which by the way, is not celebrated as such in The United States of America and in Great Britain. There they celebrate Labor Day on September 1st.
May 1st. in those countries is known as "May Day".

Now...let's take a look and read about history!

Happy Passover!

2008-04-23T13:42:00.000-03:00

Passover Music

2008-04-14T10:00:00.001-03:00

Passover Music

Ilu hotsi, hotsianu,
hotsianu mimitsrayim,
hotsianu mimitsrayim,
Dayeinu!

Da, dayeinu! (3X)
Dayeinu! Dayeinu!

Ilu natan, natan lanu,
natan lanu et hatorah,
natan lanu et hatorah,
Dayeinu!

Ilu natan, natan lanu,
natan lanu et hashabbat,
natan lanu et hashabbat,
Dayeinu!

Had God brought us out of Egypt
and not supported us in the wilderness
It would have been enough!
had God given us the Sabbath and not the Torah
It would have been enough!
Had God given us the Torah
and not brought us to the land of Israel
It would have been enough!

Passover Recipes

2008-04-14T09:48:00.006-03:00

Passover Appetizers

Gefilte Fish

California Charoset

Gefilte Fish, Hung's Style

Passover Fruit Casserole

Charoset (Traditional)

Passover Cheese Balls

Traditional Charoset

Passover Entrees

Chinese Pesach Stir Fry

Fillet of Sole Florentine

Quick Passover Fish Recipe

Kabsah (Lebabese Hamburger)

Passover Barbecue Coat (Rub)

Brisket in Marinade

Citrus Salmon Fillet

Passover Soups

Matzoh Balls (Knaidlech)

Chicken Soup

Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

Passover Egg Drop Soup

Passover Side Dishes

Passover Squash Pudding

Broccoli Knishes

Passover Onion Pudding

Passover Spinach Bake

Matzoh Brie

Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)

Passover Turkey Stuffing

Passover Vegetarian

Mock Gefilte Fish Patties

Cabbage Salad with Lemon & Orange Dressing

Low-Fat Moroccan Carrot Salad

Low-Fat Mock Chicken Soup & Vegan Matzah Balls

Matzo! Matzoh! Matzah!

2008-04-14T09:45:00.001-03:00

No matter how your spell it - Matzah is the quintessential Passover food.

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is the eight-day holiday commemorating the Jews' escape from slavery in Egypt. During the holiday, only unleavened bread may be eaten. That means no pasta, cereal, bread, cakes, cookies or any other starch product made with yeast or other rising agent.

In the place of leavened bread, Pesach observers enjoy matzah, unleavened bread made purely from flour and water. During the eight days of Passover, matzah is used in sandwiches, schmeared with cream cheese, baked into pizza and even pan fried in butter for matzahbrie, a Pesach-friendly substitute for French toast.

Why unleavened bread?

Referred to as lechem oni, or the bread of affliction, matzah symbolizes the minimalist fare that was eaten by Egyptian slaves.

The matzah also represents the actual food taken by the Jews when they fled from bondage. The Jews had to leave so quickly that they didn't have time to rise their dough. "Why do we eat this matzah?" asks the Hagaddah, the compilation of stories, prayers and songs recited during the seder (ritual meal). It answers, simply: "Because the Holy One redeemed our forefathers from Egypt before their dough could rise."

In their haste, the Jews were forced to focus on the bare essentials. On both a literal and a spiritual level, matzah embodies this concentrated, singular focus.

While matzah is called the bread of slavery (lechem oni), it is actually the bread of freedom: The freedom that comes from learning what you really need in order to enjoy the things you want.

The Passover Seder Plate

2008-04-14T09:40:00.007-03:00

The centerpiece of the Passover Seder table is the Seder plate, a special plate containing 5 foods that remind us of the struggle of the Israelites in their quest and journey to freedom.

These five food are....

Haroseth
Parsley (dipped in salt water)
Roasted egg
Shank Bone
Bitter herbs

A mixture of chopped walnuts, wine, cinnamon and apples that represents the mortar the Jewish slaves used to assemble the Pharaoh's bricks.
Symbolizing Springtime, it is dipped in salt water to remind us of for the tears of the Jewish slaves.

Another symbol of Spring.

Symbolic of the sacrificial lamb offering, the bone can come from whatever the family is eating, such as the leg bone of a roasted turkey.

Freshly grated horseradish reflects the bitter affliction of slavery.

The Passover Seder

2008-04-14T09:38:00.001-03:00

Taking place the first 2 nights of the 8 day holiday, the Seder is the most important event in the Passover celebration. Usually gathering the whole family and friends together, the Seder is steeped in long held traditions and customs

Leading up to the first night of Passover, the home is cleaned and cleared of all yeast foods, called hametz. All hametz is either eaten before Passover begins or "sold" to non-Jewish neighbors and friends.

The rules surrounding Passover are strict and many, with only special foods, utensils, and dishware allowed.

Kitchen utensils and dishware normally used in the home are not be used during Passover.

Special dishes and utensils for the Passover holiday are taken out of storage, cleaned and used.

Only foods that are "Kosher for Passover" are allowed. No leavened (containing yeast) foods or grains are eaten. In their place matzoh and foods containing matzoh are eaten. This is to commemorate the Israelites who fled quickly into the desert with no time for their breads to rise and were forced to bake the dough into hard crackers in the desert sun. All foods prohibited during Passover must be disposed of the morning of the first night of Passover.

The Story of Passover

2008-04-14T09:36:00.002-03:00

About 3000 years ago the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians under the rule of the Pharaoh Ramses II. According to the Book of Exodus - Moses, a simple Jewish shepherd, was instructed by G-d to go to the pharaoh and demand the freedom of his people.

Moses' plea of let my people go was ignored. Moses warned the Pharaoh that G-d would send severe punishments to the people of Egypt if the Israelites were not freed. Again the Pharaoh ignored Moses' request of freedom. In response G-d unleashed a series of 10 terrible plagues on the people of Egypt

Frogs
Lice (vermin)
Wild Beasts(flies)
Blight (Cattle Disease)
Boils
Hail
Locusts
Darkness
Slaying of the First Born

The holiday's name - Pesach, meaning "passing over" or "protection" in Hebrew, is derived from the instructions given to Moses by G-d . In order to encourage the Pharaoh to free the Israelites, G-d intended to kill the first-born of both man and beast. To protect themselves, the Israelites were told to mark their dwellings with lamb's blood so that G-d could identify and "pass over" their homes

The Pharaoh was unconvinced and refused to free the Jewish slaves

Until the last plague

When the Pharaoh finally agreed to freedom, the Israelites left their homes so quickly that there wasn't even time to bake their breads. So they packed the raw dough to take with them on their journey. As they fled through the desert they would quickly bake the dough in the hot sun into hard crackers called matzohs. Today to commemorate this event, Jews eat matzoh in place of bread during Passover

Though the Jews were now free, their liberation was incomplete. The Pharaoh's army chased them through the desert towards the Red Sea. When the Jews reached the sea they were trapped, since the sea blocked their escape

It was then that a miracle occurred. The waves of the Red Sea parted and the Israelites were able to cross to the other side. As soon as they all reached the other side the sea closed trapping the Pharaoh's army as the waves closed upon them

Then as the Israelites watched the waters of the Red Sea sweep away the Pharaoh's army they realized they were finally free

Passover celebrates this history. The first 2 nights of the 8 day holiday are celebrated with lavish meals called Seders in which the stories and history of Passover are celebrated. Special foods, plates, silverware are all a part of the Seder

Passover

2008-04-08T14:08:00.000-03:00

Welcome to this new area of knowledge!!!!!!!

I would like to share some of your habits when you celebrate important events at home!

Why don't we share some good moments, anecdotes, recipes and whatever you can think of as Passover (Pesaj) is getting near?