Life Happy Yom Kipur

Frankie · 10-09-2008, 07:57 AM

To all planeteers of Jewish faith.

**Donger** · 10-09-2008, 08:02 AM

I'm telling you guys, it's a trick like last time! Look out, Jews! Remember 1973!

You didn't spell it correctly, BTW.

Frankie · 10-09-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

You didn't spell it correctly, BTW.

My bad. Yom Kippur. I bet either spelling is acceptable though, since they're not English words.

**DaKCMan AP** · 10-09-2008, 08:20 AM

Yom Kippur etiquette can trip up Jews and
non-Jews
Rabbis explain how to avoid making etiquette errors on
holiday
By Lois K. Solomon

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
October 8, 2008

It's the Jewish New Year. But don't say "Happy Yom
Kippur."

Wishing a Jew a "Happy Yom Kippur" would be a faux pas
on the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, the Day
of Atonement, which begins at sundown today.

There are several etiquette errors that Jews and
non-Jews should avoid to respect the seriousness of
Yom Kippur, when Jews fast for 25 hours, hoping to
avert a severe decree from God.

We asked South Florida Jewish leaders about
appropriate manners when speaking with Jews on Yom
Kippur and the best ways to observe synagogue decorum
on the holy day.

Why can't I say "Happy Yom Kippur"?

Yom Kippur is a somber and awe-inspiring day when
observant Jews pray that God will inscribe them in the
Book of Life, a list of who will live and who will die
in the coming year. They believe that by fervent
prayer and sincere repentance for sins of the past
year, they can temper God's judgment.

On Yom Kippur, Jews abstain from food, drink, sex and
other worldly pleasures to immerse themselves in
prayer without distraction. They spend the day in
synagogue, chanting prayers that beg God for
forgiveness.

"It's a somber day of self-reflection," said Rabbi
Samuel Kieffer of B'nai Aviv in Weston. "Fasting is
antithetical to happiness. It's a day to resolve to
improve."

Is it OK to ask Jews if they are fasting this Yom
Kippur?

No. Fasting is considered a personal interaction
between a Jew and God, said Rabbi Marc Wolf of the
Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Some Jews do
not fast for medical reasons or on the advice of their
doctor. Asking them about it would be a violation of
their privacy, he said.

Many Jews say, "Have an easy fast." Is this an
appropriate salutation?

Jewish leaders are split about this widely used
expression.

Don't use it, said Rabbi Paul Plotkin of Temple Beth
Am in Margate.

"It puts the emphasis in the wrong place," Plotkin
said. "It feeds into a diversion of the focus. A
little bit of physical annoyance is part of the
process."

But others say it's a demonstration of goodwill on a
difficult day.

"If they're having an easy fast, their mind is in the
right place," said Cantor Ellen Stettner of Temple
Beth Shira of west of Boca Raton.

Can I phone a Jew on Yom Kippur?

No, said Rabbi Lewis Littman, of Temple Bat Yam in
Fort Lauderdale.

"It's a day we need to be disconnected from the
outside world," he said.

What is the proper etiquette if I am visiting a
synagogue on Yom Kippur?

Many Jews take the command to avoid worldly pleasures
on Yom Kippur very seriously. They abstain from
brushing their teeth, smoothing on fragrant lotions
and wearing leather. Show respect by dressing
modestly, not putting on the cologne, turning off your
cell phone and limiting small talk, said Rabbi Mendy
Rosenfeld, of Chabad of Lake Worth.

And stay for the whole day, not just a few hours in
the morning, Cantor Stettner said.

"Coming for a convenient part of the day misses the
intention of the day," she said. "There is an exodus
after the Yizkor [memorial for the dead] service and
people don't come back for Neilah [the concluding
service], a magnificent service and the last blast of
the shofar. This always disturbs me. We should
experience the conclusion of Yom Kippur together."

Rabbi Andrew Jacobs said he looks out on the typical
Yom Kippur crowd of 1,000 at his congregation, Ramat
Shalom in Plantation, and wonders why the assembly is
less than half as big on the Sabbath and other
holidays.

"It frustrates me because Yom Kippur is an important
day," he said, "but not the only day."

Lois Solomon can be reached at
lsolomon@SunSentinel.com or 561-243-6536.

RJ · 10-09-2008, 08:34 AM

Do Jews have any holidays like St. Patrick's that revolve around alcohol and food?

**Donger** · 10-09-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

Do Jews have any holidays like St. Patrick's that revolve around alcohol and food?

I think they do that on Christmas.

**DaKCMan AP** · 10-09-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

Do Jews have any holidays like St. Patrick's that revolve around alcohol and food?

Most Jewish holidays revolve around alcohol and food. Pesach (Passover), Hanukkah, Purim to name a few. Heck, every Sabbath revolves around a dinner that is kicked off with blessing over the wine.

When I was in college we went a few times to Chabad for Friday night services followed by a free dinner. After services the rabbi would break out the booze and get toasted... vodka, wine and beer were flowing freely.

RJ · 10-09-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

Most Jewish holidays revolve around alcohol and food. Pesach (Passover), Hanukkah, Purim to name a few. Heck, every Sabbath revolves around a dinner that is kicked off with blessing over the wine.

When I was in college we went a few times to Chabad for Friday night services followed by a free dinner. After services the rabbi would break out the booze and get toasted... vodka, wine and beer were flowing freely.

That's good to know.

**TinyEvel** · 10-09-2008, 09:16 AM

Wow. I bet my co-worker 40 bucks he wouldn't make the fast for 24 hours (no food, water, cigarettes, etc.) now I feel like I must atone (or go to confession, since I'm Catholic) for that.

**DaKCMan AP** · 10-09-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyEvel

Wow. I bet my co-worker 40 bucks he wouldn't make the fast for 24 hours (no food, water, cigarettes, etc.) now I feel like I must atone (or go to confession, since I'm Catholic) for that.

Yeah, betting on that probably isn't well looked upon... hah.

vailpass · 10-09-2008, 09:48 AM

"Happy" YK? I love it.

My local Jew deli has been stocked full all week with good eats in anticipation of this holiday.
I'm not in the tribe but I loves me some thin sliced brisket stacked high on chollah bread. Maybe a little apple cake to go with it. Yummy.

Simply Red · 10-09-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

I'm telling you guys, it's a trick like last time! Look out, Jews! Remember 1973!

You didn't spell it correctly, BTW.

L.A. Chieffan · 10-09-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyEvel

Wow. I bet my co-worker 40 bucks he wouldn't make the fast for 24 hours (no food, water, cigarettes, etc.) now I feel like I must atone (or go to confession, since I'm Catholic) for that.

I think you have a gambling problem Tiny

Jewish Rabbi · 10-09-2008, 10:22 AM

I'm getting mighty hungry by now

10-09-2008, 07:57 AM
Frankie Banned Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	Happy Yom Kipur To all planeteers of Jewish faith.
Posts: 26,959

10-09-2008, 08:02 AM	#2
Donger "Think BOOM!" Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 33.675° N 106.475° W Casino cash: $10129900 VARSITY	I'm telling you guys, it's a trick like last time! Look out, Jews! Remember 1973! You didn't spell it correctly, BTW. __________________ I think the young people enjoy it when I "get down," verbally, don't you?
Posts: 181,288

10-09-2008, 08:20 AM	#4
DaKCMan AP Beloved & Awesome CP Celebrity Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Florida Casino cash: $6714952	Yom Kippur etiquette can trip up Jews and non-Jews Rabbis explain how to avoid making etiquette errors on holiday By Lois K. Solomon South Florida Sun-Sentinel October 8, 2008 It's the Jewish New Year. But don't say "Happy Yom Kippur." Wishing a Jew a "Happy Yom Kippur" would be a faux pas on the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown today. There are several etiquette errors that Jews and non-Jews should avoid to respect the seriousness of Yom Kippur, when Jews fast for 25 hours, hoping to avert a severe decree from God. We asked South Florida Jewish leaders about appropriate manners when speaking with Jews on Yom Kippur and the best ways to observe synagogue decorum on the holy day. Why can't I say "Happy Yom Kippur"? Yom Kippur is a somber and awe-inspiring day when observant Jews pray that God will inscribe them in the Book of Life, a list of who will live and who will die in the coming year. They believe that by fervent prayer and sincere repentance for sins of the past year, they can temper God's judgment. On Yom Kippur, Jews abstain from food, drink, sex and other worldly pleasures to immerse themselves in prayer without distraction. They spend the day in synagogue, chanting prayers that beg God for forgiveness. "It's a somber day of self-reflection," said Rabbi Samuel Kieffer of B'nai Aviv in Weston. "Fasting is antithetical to happiness. It's a day to resolve to improve." Is it OK to ask Jews if they are fasting this Yom Kippur? No. Fasting is considered a personal interaction between a Jew and God, said Rabbi Marc Wolf of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Some Jews do not fast for medical reasons or on the advice of their doctor. Asking them about it would be a violation of their privacy, he said. Many Jews say, "Have an easy fast." Is this an appropriate salutation? Jewish leaders are split about this widely used expression. Don't use it, said Rabbi Paul Plotkin of Temple Beth Am in Margate. "It puts the emphasis in the wrong place," Plotkin said. "It feeds into a diversion of the focus. A little bit of physical annoyance is part of the process." But others say it's a demonstration of goodwill on a difficult day. "If they're having an easy fast, their mind is in the right place," said Cantor Ellen Stettner of Temple Beth Shira of west of Boca Raton. Can I phone a Jew on Yom Kippur? No, said Rabbi Lewis Littman, of Temple Bat Yam in Fort Lauderdale. "It's a day we need to be disconnected from the outside world," he said. What is the proper etiquette if I am visiting a synagogue on Yom Kippur? Many Jews take the command to avoid worldly pleasures on Yom Kippur very seriously. They abstain from brushing their teeth, smoothing on fragrant lotions and wearing leather. Show respect by dressing modestly, not putting on the cologne, turning off your cell phone and limiting small talk, said Rabbi Mendy Rosenfeld, of Chabad of Lake Worth. And stay for the whole day, not just a few hours in the morning, Cantor Stettner said. "Coming for a convenient part of the day misses the intention of the day," she said. "There is an exodus after the Yizkor [memorial for the dead] service and people don't come back for Neilah [the concluding service], a magnificent service and the last blast of the shofar. This always disturbs me. We should experience the conclusion of Yom Kippur together." Rabbi Andrew Jacobs said he looks out on the typical Yom Kippur crowd of 1,000 at his congregation, Ramat Shalom in Plantation, and wonders why the assembly is less than half as big on the Sabbath and other holidays. "It frustrates me because Yom Kippur is an important day," he said, "but not the only day." Lois Solomon can be reached at lsolomon@SunSentinel.com or 561-243-6536. __________________
Posts: 35,696

10-09-2008, 08:34 AM	#5
RJ Supporter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In a shotgun shack Casino cash: $9955202	Do Jews have any holidays like St. Patrick's that revolve around alcohol and food?
Posts: 14,931

10-09-2008, 09:16 AM	#9
TinyEvel Just a li'l Evel Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bald. Goatee. Jorts. Casino cash: $5287131	Wow. I bet my co-worker 40 bucks he wouldn't make the fast for 24 hours (no food, water, cigarettes, etc.) now I feel like I must atone (or go to confession, since I'm Catholic) for that.
Posts: 11,814

10-09-2008, 09:48 AM	#11
vailpass Psycho Bag Of Squanch Join Date: Sep 2001 Casino cash: $9594244	"Happy" YK? I love it. My local Jew deli has been stocked full all week with good eats in anticipation of this holiday. I'm not in the tribe but I loves me some thin sliced brisket stacked high on chollah bread. Maybe a little apple cake to go with it. Yummy. __________________ “Education is a weapon whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed.” Joseph Stalin
Posts: 69,591

10-09-2008, 10:22 AM	#14
Jewish Rabbi What's up braj? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Placencia, Belize Casino cash: $1888320	I'm getting mighty hungry by now
Posts: 15,629