In this edition of Mommom’s Story, Mommom discusses the Sabbath. In Judaism, we follow a lunar calendar. That means the day begins at sunset and ends at sunset. Shabbat begins on Friday night and ends on Saturday evening. Mommom discusses her father going to the temple and being home with her mother preparing the Sabbath meal and talks about the family gathering after services on Saturdays. It’s a very different life and time from how people in the United States and worldwide live today. I’m always thankful when I am able to participate in Shabbat. This post reminds us that we all should be more intentional about participating in the Sabbath, no matter when or how we celebrate it.
Mommom talks about her father bringing home a poor person and providing them with a meal. She calls it having an “Oraf” for Shabbat. I’m not sure of the exact word and have several queries out to try and get the specific meaning and origin of the actual word. I believe it is a Yiddish word. I plan to update this post once I have a better explanation.
Update:
The Jewish tradition of bringing home a poor person for Shabbat dinner is called “shabbat hachnasat orchim.” This tradition is rooted in the idea of welcoming guests and showing hospitality, which are central values in Judaism. On Shabbat, it is customary to invite guests to join in the celebration of the day, and inviting a poor person is seen as a way of fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) of hospitality. The act of shabbat hachnasat orchim is also considered a way of performing tzedakah, as it provides food and companionship to someone in need. I believe the work Mommom was using was Yiddish variation of the word orchim.
Great job Kevin. I liked the way you presented your own comments and explained some of the Kosher laws in between the video. I think you could go more in depth with that so people could understand the tradition.
I like the idea of adding some additional details about Kosher, but I’m no expert. I have, however, recently started using ChatGPT and was able to generate a list of rules. The below list is a summary of a few rules ChatGPT generated. There a many many more rules some even stipulate the type of cloth that can be worn.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines and the specifics of kosher law can vary between communities and denominations.
The purpose of Kosher:
These laws are considered to be a way of preserving Jewish identity and maintaining a connection to God. They are also seen as a means of promoting physical and spiritual purity, as well as fostering discipline and self-control.
The laws of kosher are not simply a matter of personal preference, but are considered a binding part of Jewish law and tradition. Adhering to these laws is seen as a way of fulfilling the commandments and living a life that is in line with Jewish values and beliefs. The rules of kosher serve as a reminder of the importance of separating oneself from impurities and staying true to one’s religious beliefs and traditions.
Why don’t all Jews follow Kosher Law
The level of adherence to kosher dietary laws varies among Jews, and there are many factors that can influence whether or not an individual follows these laws.
Some Jews follow kosher strictly and observe all the kosher rules, while others are more relaxed in their observance. Some Jews may choose not to follow kosher for personal preference or convenience, while others may see it as an outdated practice that is no longer relevant.
Still, others may choose not to follow kosher due to cultural or assimilation reasons, or because they do not consider it to be a central part of their Jewish identity. In some communities, the practice of keeping kosher may be considered less important than other aspects of Jewish tradition and culture.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to follow kosher is a personal one, and each person makes this choice based on their own beliefs, practices, and circumstances.