Reuven Rubin, (1893-1974), The First Fruits, 1923, triptych, oil on canvas, coll. Rubin Museum, Tel Aviv
First Fruits was painted by artist Reuven Rubin in 1923. It is a triptych, a painting in three panels, traditionally a Christian expression of homage, that can be viewed from several angles. It is a landscape. The people in the picture represent those then found in Mandatory Palestine. The Arabs in the two side panels are sidelined, in favor of the drama of the central panel, which depicts the ritual offering of the
Bikkurim, firstfruits offered up during the days of the Temple. These first fruits are both real and figurative. In the panel on the right, the camel nails the scene firmly in the Orient; the lily is a symbol of renewal.
AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene
Observant Jews are the most conservative group of people in the West. We study Scriptures lovingly preserved over 3,500 years, follow a legal code that took its present form nearly 2,000 years ago, and maintain community customs established over a thousand years or more. Every day I bind
tefillin (small leather boxes containing parchment with biblical passages) to my arm and forehead, as my forefathers have done since we left Egypt, and recite the three-fold blessing, of which the earliest written example comes from the 6th century BCE. Religion supports conservativism not only because it upholds eternal verities, but because the
Menorah and Fireworks Illuminate Panamanian Sky
Newsח׳ טבת ה׳תשפ״א - December 22, 2020
This Chanukah, Panama City was light up by a beautiful drive-in event organized by the new institution “Mitzva Tank Panama,” led by shliach Rabbi Shlomo and
Esther Kamhaji (Poliwoda).
This Chanukah, Panama City was light up by a beautiful event organized by the new institution “Mitzva Tank Panama,” led by shliach Rabbi
Shlomo Poliwoda and
Esther Kamhaji (Poliwoda).
For over 7 years, Panama City featured a large Chanukah parade, and the shluchim weren’t going to let this year be an exception. In fact, it was probably the only Chanukah activity that would happen outside of the “virtual reality” in the country.
“In Bahrain, we are proud of the diverse communities who have made the kingdom their home and the many places of worship which we host.”
Representing the UAE, Ambassador Abulhoul spoke passionately about the new relationship with Israel and the Jewish community after the Abraham Accords.
“It is a fitting end to a year when I have experienced so much warmth from my encounters with the UK Jewish community,” he said.
“We are delighted to be involved in a Hanukkah celebration this year. It has been fascinating to learn more about the religious and historical significance of tonight’s ceremony, including the use of oil in it.”