Etz-Ron Newsletter
May, 2007

Octagonal Tzedakkah Box

In the Bible it is mentioned no less than thirty-six times the importance of loving, befriending and being kind to strangers. Often the command is coupled with the words "because you were a stranger in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 22:20, Deuteronomy 10:19).

These words, say the Rabbis, emphasize the importance of remembering what it means to be unloved and unwanted.

Caring for all people in need became an integral part of Jewish life. Jews were expected to be kind and charitable, decent and righteous.

So intertwined did the concepts of charity and righteousness became, the Hebrew word for righteousness - Tzedaka - became the Hebrew word for charity.

Courthouse Tzedakkah Box

Every family should possess a Tzedaka box as a constant reminder of the importance to provide for those less fortunate than themselves.

Of particular interest during this season of Shavuot is the Courthouse Tzedaka Box which was inspired by the newly built courthouse in Beersheva.

Visit the Etz-Ron Tzedakkah Gallery on the website for a full description and display of beautifully handcrafted wooden Tzedaka Boxes. These items are superbly made from the highest quality materials and make ideal gifts, either for home usage, for the Synagogue or for individual presentations.

Several reasons are given for the custom of reading the Book of Ruth on Shavuot.

The story of Ruth and Boaz takes place in the spring, at harvest time, when Shavuot occurs.

Ruth was the ancestor of King David. According to a tradition mentioned in the Talmud, David was born and died on Shavuot.

Hex Megillah Case

Since Ruth expressed her loyalty to the Torah by converting to Judaism it is appropriate to read the story of her life on Shavuot, the holiday of the Torah.

The book of Ruth is one of the five megilot (scrolls), each of which is read at a different time on the Jewish calendar. Do you have a book of Ruth scroll? The Etz-Ron Megillah Case can be custom made for your scroll, for a beautiful way to store and display it. If you have a collection of scrolls here's an idea- Get a Megillah case for each scroll in a different base wood!


Buy 3 mezzuzot and get another free of charge. Only while stocks last, so check out details today on the website under the heading What's New at Etz-Ron.

Hope to hear from you,
Best,
Amy Gilron