The Origins of Ashura in Judaism
Ashura, or Yom Ashurah, is an important date observed by Jews. It marks the Jewish day of fasting and giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. It has a long, rich and varied history, which is why it’s so significant in Jewish life and culture. Ashura is the tenth day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, and usually falls in the early autumn. It is the day when God commanded the Jews to observe a day of fasting and mourning.
The ancient Talmud records that on the tenth of Tishrei, Moses fasted for 40 days as a sign of repentance for the Golden Calf. Ashura is also a remembrance of the day when the ancient temple was destroyed by the Babylonian Empire. To mourn this day, the Jewish people have observed a day of fasting since ancient times.
The main observance of Ashura in Judaism is fasting. Ashura is typically observed on two consecutive days, either as two separate days or as “one long Fast Day” on the same day. This fast involves abstaining from both food and drink for a period of 24 hours. During the Fast of Ashura, Jews also take the time to pray, recite verses from the Bible, and study spiritual topics.
Importance of Ashura
As outlined in the Hebrew bible, Ashura is an auspicious day to focus on and remember your relationship with God. Michael Kress, a Jewish spiritual guide, states that Ashura is all about “overcoming temptation” and that it “is a reminder that despite our present struggles, even when our lives are good, we must be mindful of the fragility of human existence.”
Ashura is also an important reminder of the civil rights era in the US. In 1968, the Racial Justice Committee of the American Jewish Congress commemorated Ashura by organizing the first Yom Ashurah Civil Rights Campaign, which encouraged Jewish Americans to join peaceful protests across the country. The campaign was a way to pay tribute to the “Sabra and Shatila Massacre” in Lebanon, when thousands of Palestinians were killed.
Furthermore, Ashura presents a powerful opportunity to break one’s own boundaries and to engage in social justice work, as Rabbi Marc Mermelstein suggests: “Ashura is a day to challenge oneself to actively model divine behavior and to uplift the spirit of each other and the community.”
The Rituals of Ashura
On the eve of Ashura, people traditionally gather for a late-night meal, which includes the recitation of prayers and blessings. The fasting begins at daybreak and is followed by attending synagogue for special services. Some traditions involve wearing white clothing, analogous to the ‘white dress’ of the dead. Others have charity donations as part of the day-long fast, such as offering prayers for the sick and poor.
During the night of Ashura, people often will keep busy with study, prayer, and reflection. People often spend time reciting psalms, studying Torah and reflecting on the struggles of the day. One ritual is the recitation of special prayers to mark the day, including the “Five Petitions” known as Kaddish Yatom. The Talmud records that these five petitions should be recited every day, but on Ashura they are especially significant.
Celebrations of Ashura
Ashura is a day of tremendous celebration throughout the world. Jews usually celebrate the end of the fast with a festive meal called a seudat mitzvah, meaning a “commandment feast.” This marks the important transition from the day of mourning to the time of joy and rejoicing.
In some communities, there are additional festive activities like parties, parades and rallies. Kids often make their own traditional Ashura crafts and decorations. And some folks might join in on a parade and march around their neighborhoods in celebration. The traditional finale of Ashura is always filled with joy and hope for the new year.
Reflection on Ashura
In the Hebrew Bible, Ashura is described as a “special day” of understanding and remembrance. It is a special day to reflect on the history and sufferings of the Jewish people and to commemorate God’s salvation and mercy. It is a day that creates an opportunity to explore personal beliefs, express gratitude, and practice kindness and compassion.
Overall, Ashura is an important day to mark in the Jewish calendar, as it gives us a chance to look back to the past, reflect on the hardships and challenges that our ancestors have faced and recognize the blessings in our lives today.
Traditions in Ashura
In some Jewish communities, people observe Ashura in different ways. Some communities hold services of penitence and repentance, with prayers of forgiveness and hope for the New Year. These services are often held in the morning, with participants asking God for forgiveness for the sins of the past year and expressing their hopes for the coming year.
In some communities, there are also special collections for charity and donations to the poor. These collections represent the Jewish commitment to acts of loving kindness and to express gratitude for all of the blessings in our lives. This is especially important on Ashura, as we are particularly mindful of the blessings of the past year.
Symbols of Ashura
In Jewish culture, there are several symbols associated with Ashura which serve as reminders of the history and traditions of this day. One symbol is the burning of a special candle or torch, which signifies hope for the future and the importance of passing down our legacy to future generations. This symbol is especially meaningful for Jews because of the loss of our ancient temple.
Other symbols of Ashura include the breaking of a plate, similar to the way we break plates during a wedding ceremony, and the cutting of an apple. Both of these are symbolic of the fragility and brevity of life, and serve as a reminder to live life fully.
Conclusion of Ashura
Ashura is an important holiday in Judaism, a day of prayer, fasting, and reflection. It is a day to remember the past, give thanks for the present and hope for the future. This meaningful day is one that will surely be remembered in the hearts of many Jews throughout the generations.
