Etz-Ron Newsletter
June, 2007

As the month of Tammuz approaches perhaps there is no more appropriate time in the entire Jewish calendar to dedicate our thoughts to the observance of Shabbat and how to best uphold the many beautiful customs and traditions of the Jewish Sabbath in preference to alternative lifestyles.

Etz-Ron Etz Chaim Torah Rollers w/ Mosaics"

The 17th day of Tammuz is a date when Jews the world over fast and lament to commemorate the many calamities that have befallen our people on this ominous day.

A day when Moses descended from Mount Sinai and, on seeing the Golden Calf, broke the first set of tablets carrying the Ten Commandments.

And in the year 586 BCE the walls of Jerusalem were breached after many months of siege by Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian forces.

Even in modern times the blackness of the 17th day of Tammuz persisted. In 1391 more than 4000 Jews were killed in the Spanish Inquisition and in 1559 the Jewish Quarter of Prague was burned and looted.

Yet, according to the Mishna, the 17th of Tammuz will be transformed in the messianic era in a day that shall be joy to the House of Judah, full of gladness and cheerful feasts.

Etz-Ron Shabbat Candlesticks

When lighting the Shabbat candles the words asher kideshanu bemitzvotav are contained in the prayer. Even though there is no commandment to light candles on Shabbat, Talmudic Rabbis claimed that Shabbat represents the very essence of Judaism and the words "who has sanctified us by His commandments" deemed worthy of inclusion in the candlelighting prayer..



According to most authorities, the origin of the use of the challah on Shabbat and the chagim was attributable to the Book of Leviticus 24:5. The Children of Israel were commanded to set aside from the bread they baked a small portion of dough (challah) for sustenance of the Priests.

After the destruction of the Second Temple, even though the Priests no longer carried on their former Temple duties, challah continued to be taken by those who baked bread.

Etz-Ron Shabbat Challah Board "

Originally, spices were distributed throughout the home after a meal to dissipate food odors.

An alternate explanation is that spices are intended to raise spirits and offset the sadness which often sets in at the end of the joyous Sabbath Day, when the problems of everyday life have to be faced once again.

Nowadays, instead of spreading spices around the house, they are placed in a Spice Box which is passed around for all to sniff after the blessing has been recited.

Etz-Ron Small Mosaic Spice Box

Our Newsletter is very important to us. We hope it is equally important for you, as well. We want to stay in touch. Perhaps you'd like to offer some comments. We welcome them.

When you make a purchase at Etz-Ron your name automatically goes onto our online database. This means you will regularly receive a copy of our Newsletter. Although we're far away in Beer Sheva, with the benefit of the internet we're really only minutes apart.

Got an idea for something different. Your own design? I'm happy to oblige with any individual request for items not featured in our existing collection. Just visit the Contact Amy link on the bottom of this page. I'd like to hear from you.

And when you next visit Beer Sheva don't forget to visit me at the Etz-Ron Studio where you'll find me hard at work and where you can purchase any of my products at the Studio Shop.

Best,
Amy Gilron