Seasons

Passover, like many of our holidays, combines the celebration of an event from our Jewish memory with a recognition of the cycles of nature. As we remember the liberation from Egypt, we also recognize the stirrings of spring and rebirth happening in the world around us. The symbols on our table bring together elements of both kinds of celebration.

Before we eat it, we take the parsley and dip it into the salt water. This is the story of Passover in a simple gesture. The parsley is the promise of something new and meaningful. The salt water is what it cost to get there. We can't have one without the other.

(Dip the parsley in the salt water. Say the blessing.)

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree ha-adama.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the earth.

(Eat the parsley.)

Most of us know what it is to work hard for something that matters — to find that the sweetness and the struggle arrived together. That is not just the Exodus story. It is what makes any story worth telling.

Pack your favorite summer foods and head outdoors. This barley salad uses all those herbs from your garden and travels well. Wine jelly and frosted grapes are other cool options to beat the heat. Here are other recipes for terrific summer fare with a Jewish twist, perfect for Shabbat!

As Shabbat ends, mark the separation between the sacred and the everyday in the backyard amongst the fireflies. Watch this video from Temple Israel in Memphis, TN, to learn how to perform this short, meaningful ceremony.

Whether you’re traveling or enjoying your own neighborhood, find a congregation in the area and check it out. Congregations often vary their summer worship practices, so even if you’ve visited before, you may find something new this time!  

When your eyelids grow heavy and the book you’re holding falls from your hands, give in and use your hammock for a nap. There’s nothing quite like an outdoor snooze, especially on Shabbat!

To get in the mood for Shabbat, set time aside on Friday afternoon to sit outdoors – on a porch, under a tree, or in a park amongst city skyscrapers – and listen to a podcast. Whether it’s a Jewish story, a performance of acoustic music, or thoughts about the weekly Torah portion, this can help you slow down, unwind, and feel the anticipation of Shabbat.