[HANASHIR:16852] Re: A Jewish Valentine's Day Song!

[Lori Shapiro <lorshap...>]

This week at the b'nei mitzvah class that the rabbi and I team teach, we did in 
fact discuss all the reasons why Valentine's Day is not a Jewish holiday. We 
did however discuss that love is a central theme in Judaism and that we should 
not just love blindly but use our heads when we love - that we are an 
intelligent people. We talked about values, the most important retlationships 
in our lives and if love was part of those relationships. It's funny how that 
in discussing how Valentine's Day was not Jewish tied into a great moral lesson 
and the kids worked on two prayers about love - V'Ahavta and Ahavat Olam. 
L'Shalom-
Lori Shapiro
Temple Beth El
Boca Raton, FL

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Robert Margolis 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 11:58 AM
  Subject: [HANASHIR:16851] Re: A Jewish Valentine's Day Song!


  I recently joined the list this past week and Rabbi Joe's poem really hit 
home. I couldn't agree more with Rabbi Joe and Noah Budin's remarks!

   

  I had a little debate with a poor Jewish soul, arguing whether or not 
Valentine's Day should be celebrated in Jewish circles.  The argument went like 
this, "....but Valentine's Day is an American Holiday, just like Halloween, and 
Christmas..."  

   

  It is sad that many Jews truly believe these holidays are simply secular 
American holidays today, regardless of their origins, and should be celebrated 
by everyone. Unfortunately, the reality is that it is taking our fellow Jews 
one step farther in the assimilation process. I am curious how many religious 
school teachers discuss why we should not be celebrating these holidays with 
their children?  Are we afraid of offending some of our Temple membership?



  Robert Margolis

  Jewish Educator, Cantor/Soloist

  margolis1234 (at) bellsouth(dot)net

  Boynton Beach, FL

  (561) 733-5336

   

  ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Noah Budin 
    To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
    Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 11:09 AM
    Subject: [HANASHIR:16850] Re: A Jewish Valentine's Day Song!


    Many, many thanks to Rabbi Joe for this wonderful, clever, funny, and 
meaningful song!

    It especially hit home today as I walked into the synagogue where I am 
employed and discovered that not only was our social hall being converted into 
a disco, complete with several thousands of dollars worth of lights and 
scaffolding, for a bat mitzvah tomorrow -- well, the party to follow -- but the 
theme of this party is (scary music here) VALENTINE'S DAY! Red, heart-shaped 
mylar balloons, red and white candies for the centerpieces, doilies, cupids -- 
the whole (if you'll pardon the expression) megillah. 

    OK. That's it for my rant. Thank you for letting me vent.

    And, oh. I enlarged Rabbi Joe Black's song, printed it, and posted it. Not 
in the social hall where I wanted too. But at my desk. Tucked away in the 
administrative offices. Where at least I'll see it everyday and be comforted. 
Now, how to lure the family back to the offices...?

    Noah Budin
    Creative Arts Specialist
    The Temple - Tifereth Israel
    Cleveland, OH
    Nbudin (at) sbcglobal(dot)net
    Nbudin (at) ttti(dot)org
    216-831-3233 ex. 118
    "Rabbi Joseph R. Black" <Rabbi (at) CongregationAlbert(dot)org> wrote:
      Chevre,
      I have written a Jewish Valentine's Day song. It's on my latest CD,
      "Sabbatical". 

      Enjoy!

      Valentine's Day is Not a Jewish Holiday (That's Why I Didn't Buy You
      Flowers.) 
      Words and Music by Rabbi Joe Black
      C 1999, Lanitunes Music 
      Published by Sounds Write Music 


      Valentine's Day is not a Jewish holiday - 
      That's why I didn't buy you flowers.
      I was thinking just of you
      I know you're proud to be a Jew
      It's a most confusing twenty-four hours. 

      No I can't be what I ain't 
      And a day named for a saint 
      Doesn't seem to be a kosher celebration 
      Oh but when Purim comes we'll nosh on "
      Special heart-shaped hamentashen
      And drink Mogen David wine for our libation. 

      It's a Hallmark holiday, that is all that I can say
      I don't know why you think it's so essential.
      Besides at eighty bucks a pop
      A dozen roses ain't so hot
      What's the point of getting oh so sentimental?

      No I didn't buy Godiva's
      Cause the increase in your dress sizes
      >From eating chocolate makes you weep and makes 
      you wail.......

      So open up the bedroom door -
      Don't make me sleep here on the floor 
      I'll buy perfume for you next week when it's on sale......

      ------
      Happy Valentines Day!

      Rabbi Joseph R. Black
      Congregation Albert
      3800 Louisiana Blvd NE
      Albuquerque, NM 87110
      505-883-1818
      505-883-1814 - fax



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