RITUAL PRACTICES COMMITTEE MESSAGE

Ritual Practices Message

By Ron Artstein, VP Ritual Practices

This week we read the Torah portion Eikev, where the seven species of the land of Israel are enumerated: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates (Deuteronomy 8:8). These species have had special ritual significance in Jewish history, since at least the time of the Second Temple: only the seven species were brought as first harvests to the Temple (Mishnah Bikkurim 1:3). A practice which persists to this day is reciting a special blessing after eating from these species (Mishnah Berakhot 6:8).

All of the seven species can be found growing in Long Beach. We grow grapes in our backyard and pomegranates (decorative) in our front yard; we also used to have two fig trees, which were removed because they weren’t producing edible fruit. There’s an olive tree on our block and date palms in the neighborhood. All of this is not accidental: California has a Mediterranean climate just like Israel, and all of these species were brought here by the Spanish. And not only the fruit: I remember being excited to spot a stone olive press on a visit to Mission San Buenaventura, just like the ones you see in archeological sites in Israel.

Being out in nature here often feels like a little taste of Israel. This spring we went hiking in Weir Canyon in Orange County, and the scenery was just like in Israel, with blooming fields of black mustard, Mediterranean barley, and milk thistle – all of which are considered invasive in California – as well as the native lupine (a similar plant is native to Israel) and the prickly pear, which while native to Mexico, has been so naturalized in Israel that it gave rise to the nickname Sabra for native Israelis. And in July, at the end of the monthly Shabbat walk, we sat in a circle outside the El Dorado Nature Center and Rabbi Fox asked each person to describe how they were feeling in one word; I chose “breathing”, because the hot, dusty smell of pine needles felt like a whiff of my hometown, Jerusalem.

Of course, California is no substitute for actually visiting Israel. The congregational trip which takes place next year, led by Rabbi Fox and Cantor Cooper, will include rafting or kayaking in the upper Jordan River, and hiking in the Banias Nature Reserve. Until then, I suggest we think of Israel when we’re out in nature, walking around Long Beach, or just enjoying fruit. And maybe recite a blessing.

Please share your thoughts with me on this or other issues at VPRitualPractices@tilb.org

Get ready for the High Holy Days in September!

High Holy Days Services

Erev Rosh HaShanah: Friday, September 15

7:30 pm Teen Service

7:30 pm Service

Rosh HaShanah: Saturday, September 16

10:00 am Service

Tashlich: At The Beach at Belmont Pier (Ocean at 39th Place)

3:30 pm Saturday, September 16

Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 24

7:30 pm Service

Yom Kippur: Monday, September 25

9:00 am Service

12:30 pm Yom Kippur Forums (In Person and Zoom)

2:00 pm Family Service

4:00 -7:00 pm Afternoon, Yizkor, N’ilah Services Havdalah - following N’ilah (approx. 7:00 pm)

CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Rosh HaShanah: Sunday, September 17 Bandshell at Recreation Park

10:00 am – 1:00 pm Rosh HaShanah Family Celebration in the Park

Yom Kippur: Monday, September 25

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Grades K-3

10:00 am – 12:00 pm Grades 4-6

Yom Kippur Family Service 2:00 pm (at Temple Israel)

LULAV & ETROG SETS

$50 STANDARD SET

$80 SUPERIOR SET

Order by Wednesday, September 5 Email Charmaine clw@tilb.org