Gershon Wolf Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is observed for two (nights and two) days. This year, the first day is the Sabbath Day, Saturday, September 19, 2020 (the first of Tishrey, 5781). 

A Glimpse of the Past

The Holy Temple came into play in a very big way
  When Rosh Hashana fell on the Sabbath Day
Nowhere else were permitted shofar blasts
  An historic glimpse into Israel's past

The issue, not the actual shofar blowing
  But its transporting, if you will -- its 'towing'
For on the Sabbath, to carry an item is not allowed
  Not even a shofar to fulfill a precept for a synagogue crowd

Yet into the Holy Temple, carrying was permitted
  Ten sacrifices brought: sheep and rams admitted
Expiation for Israel's sins required every day
  Her moral compass not allowed to decay


There is no Temple today, Rosh Hashana will come and go
  This year on the Sabbath, our shofars lay low

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Michael Tor August 20, 2020 at 8:42 PM Gershon is it changing from original tradition? Gershon Wolf August 21, 2020 at 1:05 PM I don't think that someone from the Temple Era would recognize the Rosh Hashana service of today, even the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox service. There have been many, many additions to the 'core service.' Although the core service itself is unchanged. Thanks for asking and for your interest --- and for all of your encouragement, Michael. Best wishes, Gershon

Caren Krutsinger August 20, 2020 at 3:23 PM Everything is so different this year; new customs I imagine. Nice lesson. Gershon Wolf August 21, 2020 at 1:06 PM Nope. Everything the same as last year except for masks and distancing. 3,000+ years of tradition isn't about to 'bow' (ha, ha) to a little Pandemic... Happy Friday, Caren! :) gw

Anne-Lise Andresen August 20, 2020 at 10:43 AM - Interesting to read, Gershon - I have seen Sabbath celebration in Norway ... a great gathering with family and friends :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Gershon Wolf August 20, 2020 at 4:57 PM Yes, Sabbath gatherings can be magical... Thanks for your openness to this one, Anne-Lise. Would that the world-at-large had your largesse. Light and Luminescence, Gershon

Indiana Shaw August 20, 2020 at 10:36 AM It kinda brings me back to Joseph of Arimathea, where speed was of the essence in carrying Jesus's body to his tomb before the Sabbath, no greater task had, he . . . : / Indiana Shaw August 21, 2020 at 5:05 PM But, didn't I tell you, I am a time traveller, and I did say it took me back, he he he . . . ; ) Gershon Wolf August 20, 2020 at 4:55 PM Well, you went back further than you had to! Temple was razed in 70 C.E. No problem, of course. Here's to the 'Way-back Machine! ~ Sherman and Peabody

Carolyn Devonshire August 20, 2020 at 10:00 AM I learned from your poem, Gershon. Had to look up "shotars." It's a pleasure to learn more about your religion, my friend. Hugs, Carolyn Gershon Wolf August 20, 2020 at 4:54 PM Nice to find someone as receptive as you are, Carolyn. God bless, Gershon