kampungku, amherst

"Rosh Hashanah, which literally means the head of the year, commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the world. It is celebrated on the first and second days of the seventh Hebrew month, Tishri. Depending on the solar calendar, Rosh Hashanah occurs in September or October. Rosh Hashanah, when all living things are judged, is often referred to as the beginning of the Jewish New Year." (Kramer, Rosh Hashanah:Origins)

Just got home from celebrating Rosh Hashanah with the Hershes in the little town of Littleton. Littleton is east of Amherst towards Boston, a lovely 1 hour drive down Rte 2. They live in a wonderful house by the lake, literally in the middle of the woods.

The spread was amazing and the company was warm and friendly. We were treated to slow-roasted brisket (yum), grilled sweet potatoes, orzo (rice/barley shaped pasta) and cauliflower salad, hallot (sweet bread eaten during Shabat or the Sabbath), apples, pomegranates and lots more. It's also traditional to eat apples dipped in honey which signifies a sweet year ahead.


It's always interesting learning about Jewish people and culture. There's usually such a strong affinity to Jewish culture and religion, but many of the Jews we know would not call themselves religious (in the sense of believing in the God of the Torah), despite the festivals they celebrate and the customs they strongly adhere to. Jewish people have such a strong sense of culture and heritage, much more than even the Chinese. As Christians, I love remembering our shared heritage through some of these customs too. Some Christian friends of HA's (whom we're visiting in 2 weeks!) make it a point to celebrate the Shabat every Friday. The meal starts off with a prayer in Hebrew followed by the breaking of the hallot (the hallot reminds the Jews of the manna that God gave them in the wilderness). I think it's a wonderful reminder and testimony of God's goodness through the ages!

What tickled me today was a comment our host made when I asked if she had an insinkerator so we could zap all the nasty stuff in the sink. She said "We live in the country, dear, not like you guys in the city. We have something called a sewage system." ROTFL! We live in the city??!! Hehe, that's the first time anyone's ever referred to Amherst as the city! I guess, compared to Littleton, we do have some city-like amenities (although some people still have to take their own trash to the dumpster!).