To quote Jewish sage Jerry Seinfeld: “What’s the deal with Jews and superstitions!?”
Here are a few:
The circling of the groom by the bride at the beginning of the wedding ceremony was intended to chase away evil spirits, in the same way that the breaking of the glass hoped to do.
A red ribbon tied around a crib protected as did a pinch of salt thrown over one's left shoulder, or an amulet worn around the neck, or spitting three times to ward off the evil eye (pu pu pu).
Closing prayer books, Bibles, and talmudic tracts is a common practice in synagogues and study halls. The explanation is related to the medieval fear of the evil power of devils and demons, who would take “holy knowledge” and somehow use it for their own nefarious purposes.
Demons and similar creatures were known to reside in new houses and cause chaos. Because salt was generally regarded as having superb powers against evil spirits, it was often placed in the corners of a room where these creatures hid. The same reasoning applied to new clothes, where smaller goblins and elves could stow away in pockets. By placing a small amount of salt in the pockets, the owner of the clothing hoped to drive these beings away and foil their evil designs.
In some communities, a safety or straight pin was attached out of sight under a shirt collar or on a sleeve before taking a journey. Metal was thought to be a powerful protective substance.
FYI: Knocking on wood to protect from evil is a non-Jewish practice, even though many Jews do it. Many connect this action to Christian beliefs that relate wood to slivers of the cross, which were believed to bring good luck. Long before the time of Jesus, some cultures regarded trees as gods; believers were convinced that touching (or knocking on) wood could produce magical results.
I'd like to write more on this topic but I have to go find some salt. בשלום, Rabbi Susan
TBS Calendar ~ לוּחַ שָׁנָה
Check out our website to view our calendar and discover the wonderful events coming up! View the TBS Calendar
This Week’s Calendar Thurs., Nov. 14 ~ 11:00 Hebrew Practice, 12:00 Great Thoughts Book Group Fri., Nov. 15 ~ 5:30 Shabbat Service Sat., Nov. 16 ~ 10:00 Torah Study; 11:45 Rugelach Baking (full) Sun., Nov. 17 ~ 9:30 Religious School; 12:30 Israeli Dancing Mon., Nov. 18 ~ 5:30 Fressers Dinner at Streets of New York Tues., Nov. 19 ~ 9:00 Men of TBS at Wildflower; 11:00 Mahjong; 1:00 Yarn Yentas; 1:00 Hadassah Info Meeting Wed., Nov. 20 ~ 9:30 Chaverim at Panera; 11:00 Mussar; 12:00 Lunch Bunch; 12:00 Design Committee; 5:00 Board Meeting Sun., Nov. 17 at 1:00pm ~ Young Adults (ages 25-55) Outing Bowling at Antelope Lanes in Prescott Valley. $4.75 per game. Shoe rental $3.75. RSVP to Jessica Dreifuss office@brithshalom-az.org
Sun., Nov. 17 at 1:30pm ~ Amy Bonney, Chief of Police for Prescott will speak on Safety Issues related to Prescott and surrounding areas. At TBS.
Mon., Nov. 18 at 5:30: Fressers Dinner Group at Streets of New York on Sheldon, Prescott. Please RSVP to Shari (shari@jbrookswa.com) by Saturday, November 16th.
Tues., Nov. 19 at 1:00: Hadassah Info Meeting led by Nancy Quitney. Does TBS want to start a chapter?
Thurs., Nov. 21 at 6:00: Celebration of Thanks Interfaith Program at St. Lukes Episcopal Church at 2000 Shepherds Lane (near the airport). Sun., Nov. 24 at 10:00: Brownlow trail hike in Prescott. Parking lot is just south of the pickleball courts on Commerce between Willow Creek and Pioneer parkway. The trail is fairly flat with just a few small hills. We’ll aim for about three miles.
Sun., Nov. 24 at 1:00: Adult Ed with Rabbi Nina ~ Maimonides: Who was he? Why is he so important? What do we think of what he thought?
Sun., Dec. 1 at 1:00: Holiday Card Making Workshop with Suzy Curry. Suzy provides all of the materials and snacks provided. No charge! Ages 10 and up. RSVP to Suzy at tucsonsuzz@gmail.com
Tues., Dec. 3 at 6:30: Fundraiser Gala meeting at TBS. We are looking for lots of help and volunteers! All are welcome to attend. For questions or if you're unable to attend, contact Suzi Abramson-Johnson at suziaj@gmail.com Women's Book Group ~ Wednesdays at 11:00am Wed., Jan. 8 ~ The Jew Store by Stella Suberman (memoir) Wed., Mar. 12 ~ The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict (biography) Wed., May 14 ~ The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish (historical fiction)
Israeli Dancing ~ Sundays at 12:30pm Nov. 17, Dec. 8
TBS Board Meeting ~ ישיבת דירקטוריון The next Board Meeting is Wednesday, November 20 at 5pm at TBS. Board meetings are open to all members in good standing. If you would like to attend or speak at a board meeting, please contact President Deborah Plotkin by Monday, November 18.
Congregational Support ~ עֶזרָה
Mitzvah Circle ~ מצווה Contact Suzi Abramson-Johnson at 602-570-9688 to participate or to request assistance. Mitzvah circle members send Condolence and Mi Shebeirach cards, offer rides, provide meals, and more. Do what you are comfortable doing to help congregants in need.
Tikkun Olam ~ תיקון עולם
Co-Chairs Amber Caulkins and Allee Steinberg From the Talmud: It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.
Sun., Nov. 17 at 1:30pm ~ Amy Bonney, Chief of Police for Prescott will speak on Safety Issues related to Prescott and surrounding areas. This should be a very informative and important talk.
Weekly: Compost pickup (no plastic bags) in the bucket by the TBS entrance by 5:30pm on Friday evenings (NEW TIME!). Newspaper is needed also (not ads). Please drop them in the compost pail. Questions? allee2295@aol.com
Religious School בית ספר דתי Nov. 17 Sunday School 9:30-11:45 Educating 27 children!
Wishlist: Goldfish Crackers
THE MOB: Men of Brith Shalom Join THE MOB every Tuesday at 9am at the Wildflower to schmooze over a cup of coffee.
Special Prayers ~ תפילות
Kaddish ~ קדיש We are remembering the following people at Shabbat this Friday, November 15. We are observing the Yahrzeits of loved ones who have passed from November 15-21. We also remember those who have left us in the last eleven months. These names have been taken from the member portion of our website. If you do not see your loved one's name (family members) and would like their name mentioned at services, please contact Jessica in the office.
Howard (Chaim) Sherry, father of Alan Sherry Condolences to the Sherry family
John Yeakley, husband of Marilynne Yeakley Esther Cohn, mother of Dana Cohn and founding member of TBS Shirley Brohner, founding member of Temple B'rith Shalom Kay Germano, aunt of Phil Johnson Randi Chenkin, cousin of Gail Punyen-Davis Ellen Mechanic Schlossmann, cousin of Suzi Abramson-Johnson David Leon Weiss, son of Sue Robyn Henry David Gellerman, ex-husband of Leslie Gellerman Howard Eugene Herst, father of David Herst, grandfather of Jessica Herst Richard Lilley, brother of James Lilley, uncle of Heather Kaplan Sari Benson, cousin of Brian Schanerman Robert Caulkins, uncle of Josh Caulkins Barbara Fischer Moses, sister-in-law of Janet Rifkin Julie Gardner, sister of Bill Dahlin Estherly Allen, wife of Gene Galazan
Purchasing a Yahrzeit plaque is a beautiful way to honor and remember our loved one's who have passed. To purchase a plaque, please fill out this form and return it to the temple office. We kindly ask for $360 per Yahrzeit plaque. Yahrzeit Plaque Order Form
Healing Thoughts ~ מי שבעירך
Finn Gilbert, Georgette Lilley, Peggy McCauley, Laurie Reiner, Carl Shulak, Gloria Hershman, Jeffrey Snell, Mary Sussman, Sue Weiss, Linda Patent, Leslie Adler, Janet Crayne, Rachel Coy, Vadim Vaynerman, Mike Wolf, Brett Friend, Amy Snell Kingslinger, Rosario Maya, and Brian Shrager.
If you would like to add or remove your name or your family member's name from the healing list, please call or email the office at 928-708-0018 or office@brithshalom-az.org.
Donations ~ תרומות
Give Back to TBS! We are so grateful for your kindness and generous giving to Temple B'rith Shalom. Your contributions help Temple B'rith shalom to thrive and ensure a home for Jews in the Quad City area.
If you would like to make a donation now, click here. Did you know you could can give back to TBS at no additional cost to you simply by shopping at Frys? For more information, click here.
Great Thoughts Book Discussion Group Thursday, Dec 5th 12:00p to 1:00p Thursdays from 12 to 1. New book begins March 28th
Words the Hurt, Words that Heal, by Joseph Telushkin Revised Edition 2019.
Discovering Judaism Thursday, Dec 5th 1:30p to 2:45p Discovering Judaism is an introductory course on Judaism. 1:30-2:45 from October 17 through March 27. Contact Rabbi Susan for the schedule and curriculum. There are books to purchase.
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Purchase a Leaf on our Temple Tree of Life. Mark a special occasion in a beautiful way.