Etz-Ron Wooden Judaica Gift Items

Etz-Ron Newsletter
December, 2007

Tevet 2007

Fast Days

During the month of Tevet, three fast days are observed, the 8th, 9th and 10th of the month, in commemoration of three major calamities which befell the People of Israel.

Etz-Ron Interwoven Bookends

The fast days on the 8th and 9th days of Tevet are called ‘fast days for the righteous’, as on these days fasting is not compulsory for those who choose NOT to fast, whereas the fast on the 10th day of Tevet is a public fast obligating the entire Jewish community.

Bookends, Clocks and More

At Etz-Ron we make a variety of beautiful creations For the Home

To get your bookshelves organized, or as a great Bar/Bat Mitzvah present, see the Interwoven Bookends.

Etz-Ron Mosaic Clock

Need to know what time it is? Check out this modern Mosaic Clock. Rich mosaics form the backdrop within a ring around the perimeter of the clock. It comes with the options of having Hebrew numerals, or regular numbers, or having no numbers at all.

For a unique gift to someone special, or for a well deserved gift to yourself, take a look at the Mosaic Frame. Enhanced with rich mosaic wood mosaics, it naturally draws attention to your favorite photo.

Etz-Ron Mosaic Vase

Do you love fresh cut flowers? They display beautifully in the Mosaic Vase with glass liner.

Some Reasons for the Fasts

According to Jewish tradition, on the 8th day of Tevet, at the beginning of the Greek Era, the Torah was translated into Greek by the decree of King Ptolemy. This day was regarded as equally calamitous for Israel as the day on which the Golden Calf was made.

The 9th day of Tevet commemorates the death of both Ezra the Scribe and Nehemiah, two of our greatest leaders who faithfully led Israel during the return from Babylonian captivity.

On the 10th day of Tevet the Kingdom of Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem, leading to the ultimate destruction of the First Temple in the year 586 B.C.E.

In modern day Israel, the 10th of Tevet has been designated as Yom Hakaddish Haklali, the day on which we mourn for those whose date or place of death is unknown.

Etz-Ron Jerusalem Mirror

Awakening Hearts and Minds

The purpose of fasting during Tevet is not primarily the grief and mourning which these days evoke. Their aim is rather to awaken the hearts and minds of Jews towards repentance; to recall to us all, both the evil deeds of our fathers and our own evil deeds. Consequently, we subjugate our evil inclination by restriction of pleasure.

People who fast on the 10th day of Tevet, but engage in pointless activities, only grasp what is of secondary importance. Repentance alone, without fasting, is also considered insufficient. There is a positive commandment of Rabbinic origin to fast on this solemn day.

Etz-Ron in USA

For those of you who missed the Biennial in San Diego, Etz-Ron will be in the USA at the following venues: In Deerfield,IL, mid February, at the 2008 All Judaic and Jewelry Fair, and in White Plains, NY, beginning of March, at the 15th Annual Judaica Craft Show. Mark your calendars now!

Best,

Amy Gilron

Etz-Ron - Handcrafted Wooden Judaica