Category Archives: Jewish Holiday eCards

Rosh Hashanah 2012 – The Basics

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I must confess, I was not that aware of the specifics of Rosh Hashanah traditions. After some research, I feel much better equipped to share with you my fresh knowledge.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It’s different from the secular New Year on January 1, which is about over-indulgence, soon-to-be-broken vows to diet and football games.

Rosh Hashanah focuses on reviewing one’s actions over the past year and how God judges them. Jews are encouraged to make amends with anyone they have hurt or wronged and make improvements for the coming year.

When does Rosh Hashanah begin?

Rosh Hashanah 2012 begins at sunset Sunday, September 16 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, September 18. It is usually in September, sometimes in October.

What are some of the traditions of Rosh Hashanah?

Since Rosh Hashanah is a festive day, it’s marked with lots of good food, which include: apples dipped in honey (for a sweet year ahead), challah (a round version of the traditional braided egg bread that represents the circle of life), honey cake, “new” fruit (a fruit recently in season) and fish.

Another tradition on Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar. Just like many other important ceremonies, the trumpeting sound signifies celebration.

Here are the absolutely lovely words of the Blessing for the meal:

In a world of famine we have been blessed with plenty. In a world of hunger we have been blessed with sustenance. May this be the year in which we share the blessing of bread with all who are in need.

If you’d like to reach out to a friend or  loved one celebrating Rosh Hashanah this Sunday, we have a celebratory collection of ecards for Rosh Hashanah.

L’SHANA TOVAH! We here at Doozy are wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The boys in the honey Jacuzzi are in for a little surprise when dinner starts.

You can go here for more information on Rosh Hashanah: http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Rosh_Hashanah/At_Home.shtml

Here’s an interesting video on the blowing of the Shofar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6iNXRVN-WE

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Celebrate Purim

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I love seeing the signs celebrating Purim outside local synagogues in my town. I looked into it, and I think there is about 128 synagogues in and around Los Angeles. I know that my friends that celebrate Purim especially love this holiday for their kids. Good food, celebrations, giving to charity, and fun costumes. I always send them Purim ecards to wish them well.

Some of my friends try to make  Hamantaschen pastries for this holiday, but I understand why some of them end up buying them instead…

In this New York Times article, it says they take two to three day to make! These days, I feel like I’m lucky if I find 20 minutes to bake a Dr. Oetker organic cake mix. I give kudos to anyone who devotes two to three days baking these Hamantaschen pastries. They do look delicious, though, filled with prunes or poppy seeds. The pastries are made to look like “Haman’s Hats,” and they represent the victorious escape of the Jewish people from being executed during their time in the Persian Empire, all due to the courage of Queen Ester. I am excited to support my friends celebrating this holiday, so I am going to send them Dancing Hamantaschen ecards and other Purim ecards.

March 8 at sundown, it begins and last for two days. I want to wish everyone a Happy Purim. The Jerusalem Post says that there will be carnivals in the streets of Jerusalem with colorful costumes, acrobats, and puppets. Hopefully you are having a celebration on your own neighborhood block. Just remember to clean up the confetti afterwards and send plenty of Purim ecards!

 

 

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How Hanukah is Celebrated around the Nation

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Hanukah begins tomorrow night at sundown and ends December 28. As you begin your celebrations, here’s a look at how others do it across the country. I like to find out about different customs, and then send faraway friends and family Hanukah e cards.

The National Chanukah Menorah is located near the White House at The Ellipse, in the President’s Park South and will be lit at 4:00pm. Hot latkes and doughnuts will be served.

 

 

 

 

 

In New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, the “World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah” stands. Certified by The Guiness World Book of Records and designed by artist Yaacov Agam, this sculpture is a festive Jewish decoration amidst the Christmas lights, songs, and colors generally associated with Manhattan at this time.

 

 

In Saint Louis, Missouri, Home Depot sponsors a Menorah Workshop where kids can build menorahs from wood. Started by Rabbi Levi Landa in 2008, this annual event has been so popular that Home Depot is extending it to other cities. It’s a great way for kids to do something hands-on to celebrate the holiday especially if your child has an inclination for doing carpentry or handiwork around the house.

In Boulder, Colorado, Ignite Chanukah with Vodka Latke Party is described as Colorado’s biggest young adult Chanukah party. It’s a way for young adults to share ideas about Chanukah and other Jewish topics in a light-hearted way. The vodka and latkes is the pre-party. The talks and five minute speeches are the main event, and there is usual an after-party as well. What a great way to get into the festive mood.

In whatever way you like to celebrate Hanukkah this season, we’ll be sending Hanukah e cards to all of our Jewish friends and family this year. Nun, gimel, hei, shin!

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