Sunday, September 30, 2012

SHALOM embeds the mystical sound OM

It is such a coincidence that the Hebrew word “SHALOM” includes an identical “OM” sound that is central to the Hindu meditation. In Sanskrit, the meaning of OM is “that which sustains everything.” In Hebrew, the meaning of SHALOM is “Peace and Wholeness.” Only with Peace can one sustain everything and hold things together as a whole. The two words are so much similar in meaning. Saying OM is actually a form of Meditation. Saying SHALOM is also a form of Meditation. However Hebrew language softens the power of the “OM” by utilizing the “Shhhhaaaa” sound as a lifting-off point, then returning to the ordinary base consciousness by using the “mmmmm” sound. The “Shhhhaaaa” sound is coming from the Hebrew letter “Shin” (one of the three mother letters Aleph, Mem and Shin). The name of G-d “SHADDAI” starts with Shin. And as we know, the letter Shin is made visible on every Mezuzah affixed on the doorpost of every Jewish Home. The significance of a Mezuzah is to create a pleasant atmosphere such that “Harmony and Peace” may prevail among all the people who live in that home.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Should a person Fast on Yom Kippur ?

Answer 
From what we know, Yom Kippur Fasting is the only Biblical Fast Day. It is Positive Mitzvah # 164. It is written in Parashah Acharey Mot. Leviticus 16:29 "In the seventh month, on the tenth day of that month, you must afflict your souls" 

All Other Fast days in the Jewish Calendar are Rabbanical. 

Fasting helps to keep the mind focused as one doesn't have to worry about eating. It is to put oneself in a better frame of mind, so one can commit to being a better Jew, a better servant of God and a better human being. If one can do all that without (fasting) afflicting oneself, great! 

There are 5 things that are forbidden on Yom Kippur. They are:
  1. No eating or drinking
  2. No washing or bathing
  3. No anointing the skin with oils
  4. No wearing items if made from leather (jacket,shoes,watch)
  5. No marital relations
 

El Nora Alila - Yom Kippur Neilah Service Piyyut