The parchment scroll is known as a mezuzah. These are traditionally placed
on the doorposts of a Jewish home. Placing this scroll on the doorpost is a
divine commandment recorded in the Torah (Bible) (Deuteronomy 6:9 and 11:20)
where Moses instructed the Jewish people: "Inscribe them on the doorposts of
your home and your gates." Inscribed in Hebrew calligraphy in each mezuzah,
are two paragraphs of the Torah, one which is about accepting G-d's
sovereignty, and the other which discusses the accepting of His commandments.
The unique message of the mezuzah is that in addition to having the word of
G-d inscribed in your heart and mind, and written in the volumes of your
library, you should also place it on the entrance of your residence to
emphasize that your home and everything that enters through its doors, are
imbued with a spirit of divinity.
Some have a tradition to lightly touch the mezuzah upon entering the home
and some also kiss the hand with which they tapped the mezuzah. Other
traditions have the children lifted to the level of the mezuzah to kiss it
before retiring for bed at night.
It is customary to place the mezuzah in a casing or cover to protect it from
the elements. Many covers have artistic Judaic themes embedded on them.
Photographs by Ian Aarons
 
The Menorah
The Menorah is an ancient symbol of the Jewish faith. The first Menorah
was erected by Moses (Exodus 25:31-39), and served as one of the main
artifacts in the first sanctuary the Jewish people built (1311 B.C.E.). The
Menorah continued to play an integral part in the daily service of the two
Holy Temples later built in Jerusalem through King Solomon (811 B.C.E.) and
Ezra the Scribe (352 B.C.E.). Every day in the later afternoon the high
priest would fill the cups of the Menorah with the purest extra-virgin olive
oil, and light them. The flames would burn all night.
The Talmud (an ancient Rabbinic text) explains that the sanctuary was
otherwise well lit. Why then the need for this Menorah? There were windows
in the Temple with a unique effect that served to magnify the light of the
Menorah and illuminate the area surrounding the Temple. The purpose of the
Menorah then, was to illuminate the outside world, to light up the night, to
light up the darkness.
In the 3rd century B.C.E. the Syrian Greek rulers persecuted the Jews of
Israel who practiced their religion. They desecrated the Holy Temple, and
defiled all of the oil used for the Menorah. When the Jews re-entered their
Temple they found one sealed jug of pure oil, enough only for one night's
use. Miraculously, it burned for eight nights. Once again, the Menorah
symbolized the triumph of light over darkness, of the spiritual over the
material. Today, Jews still celebrate this miracle with the 8-day holiday of
Chanukah. Every evening they place and 8-branched menorah near the windows
of their homes, and light them. Today, just like in the days of old, the
Menorah serves to illuminate the world and light up the darkness.
Interestingly, the biblical description of the menorah is couched almost
completely in botanical terms: branches, calyxes, petals and cups. Several
Jewish scholars have noted the biblical menorah's similarity to the
structure of a tree.
The family and home are central to the practice of Judaism. All the
festivals are celebrated in the home as well as the synagogue. On Friday
night, Jewish families and their friends gather together to celebrate one of
the most important Jewish holidays: Shabbat, or Sabbath. The celebration
commences at sundown on Friday and extends just past sundown on Saturday
evening.
According to the Jewish teachings, no work may be performed during Shabbat.
For 24 hours, all computers, faxes and mobile phones are switched off and
families come together to enjoy a time of rest, relaxation and spiritual
renewal.
The traditional greeting for Shabbat is "Shabbat Shalom", which means, "May
you have Sabbath peace". Preparations for Shabbat begin early in the day.
The house is specially cleaned and the finest tablecloths, cutlery and
plates are set on the table. Festive dishes are prepared for the Erev
Shabbat (Sabbath eve) meal and family and friends gather together in an
atmosphere of peace and harmony.
The meal begins with three ritual blessings. First, two candles, symbolizing
the hallowed nature of the day, are lit. Then a prayer is recited praising
G-d for the gift of wine which is drunk from a kiddush cup. Finally, a
similar thankful blessing is recited before the sharing of braided bread
called "challah", which symbolizes the staff of life.
At the table, each member of the household is blessed and a joyous mood is
created through the recitation of prayers and the singing of Hebrew songs.
Families pictured are enjoying their own special Erev Shabbat meal.
Photographs by Allen Lipschitz.
Havdalah means "separation" and refers to the ceremony which concluded our
Shabbat day of rest. The Havdalah prayers acknowledge the separation between
this holy day and the rest of the week, and between all that is sacred and
that which is profane.
During the Havdalah ceremony, the Leader, or head of the household, lights a
beautiful braided candle and hands it to the youngest person present. As the
candle burns brightly, the family thanks G-d for the gift of many lights in
our lives.
A family member then recites a blessing over the wine and everyone present
drinks from the cup. An ornate spice box is then passed around and everyone
smells its sweet fragrance so that the sweetness of Shabbat may linger with
them in the week ahead.
The family sings a song heralding the coming of Elijah the prophet, whose
presence in our world will mean a time of great peace and justice for all.
Finally, the braided candle is dipped into the wine cup. As the light
flickers out, Shabbat officially ends and we wish one another "Shavua Tov",
which means, "have a good week".
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