(Sept. 13, 2013) Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, begins this evening at sundown. The Jewish high holy days began Sept. 4 with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, one of the most important Jewish festivals. According to the Hebrew calendar, this year's feast was on the first two days in the seventh month. The date, touted by the ram's horn, varies every year, since Jews follow a lunisolar calendar, and is celebrated before the winter rains come.
According to Jewish tradition, God keeps records of one's good and bad actions over the year. All believers have to acknowledge what they have done in the previous year. According to custom, they have 10 days to repent. Then the day of atonement or Yom Kippur comes and Jews apologize for their misdeeds. They try to atone for their bad deeds by doing good actions. They pray for a better life and think of the ways which can lead them more holy living. According to popular belief, if one is sincere about his prayers, God will write nothing but good for him in the holy book.
Today also is Friday, the 13th, which superstition says can be an unlucky day. People usually are extra careful so as to avoid any misadventure.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
End of summer
(Aug. 31, 2013) This Monday, Sept. 2, is Labor Day, a national holiday honoring all American workers. The weekend is the unofficial end of summer and is marked by end-of-the-season neighborhood picnics and swim parties.
For many countries (more than 80 world wide), "Labour Day" is synonymous with, or linked with, International Workers' Day, which occurs on May 1. It is a celebration of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of their country. In the United States and Canada it is celebrated the first Monday in September.
In the U.S., this day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City. After the Haymarket Massacre, President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.
The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the Labor movement.
Labor Day often marks the return to school, although school starting times now vary, some before and others following the date, often depending on how early or late the day falls as well as other holidays.
For many countries (more than 80 world wide), "Labour Day" is synonymous with, or linked with, International Workers' Day, which occurs on May 1. It is a celebration of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of their country. In the United States and Canada it is celebrated the first Monday in September.
In the U.S., this day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City. After the Haymarket Massacre, President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.
The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the Labor movement.
Labor Day often marks the return to school, although school starting times now vary, some before and others following the date, often depending on how early or late the day falls as well as other holidays.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Summertime
(July 31, 2013) "Summertime and the livin' is easy..." Swimming and relaxing, vacationing and visiting, summer is a great season for fun in the sun. Despite the rain, area residents have enjoyed a wonderful time of year with less stress and more family time.
It's a great time to share your experiences and suggestions in a blog at Recorder Community Newspapers. Any local individual or organization representative who would like to join the growing list of Recorder bloggers is welcome to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details on this simple, free communication tool.
It's a great time to share your experiences and suggestions in a blog at Recorder Community Newspapers. Any local individual or organization representative who would like to join the growing list of Recorder bloggers is welcome to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details on this simple, free communication tool.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Happy birthday, America!
(July 3, 2013) Tomorrow is July 4, America's Independence Day. The Fourth of July is celebrated annually to commemorate the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Many people display the American flag on their homes. The celebrations have deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom.
Very few people have to work on Independence Day. It is a day of family celebrations with parades, picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hot dog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games.
Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. Hopefully, the current rain stalled over this area will dissipate for the holiday. The most impressive fireworks, including the Macy's display in New York City, are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot.
Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans.
In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was first published two days later on July 4, 1776. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them.
The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791.
Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 -- exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration.
Very few people have to work on Independence Day. It is a day of family celebrations with parades, picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hot dog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games.
Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. Hopefully, the current rain stalled over this area will dissipate for the holiday. The most impressive fireworks, including the Macy's display in New York City, are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot.
Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans.
In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was first published two days later on July 4, 1776. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them.
The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791.
Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 -- exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration.
Facts like these can be found in Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs right here online at newjerseyhills.com. Any local individual or organization representative who would like to join the growing list of Recorder bloggers is welcome to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details on this simple, free communication tool.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
First day of summer
(June 20, 2013) Summer officially begins here tomorrow morning at 1:04 with the summer solstice. The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. The day has the most hours of sunlight during the entire year.
The word solstice is from the Latin "solstitium," "sol" (sun) and "stitium" (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice). In temperate regions, the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming of summer.
In our area most schools close for the summer. Living is more laid back and families plan vacations during this time. Outdoor events, including farmers' markets, are plentiful.
Keep abreast of what's happening in your town and more by reading Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
The word solstice is from the Latin "solstitium," "sol" (sun) and "stitium" (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice). In temperate regions, the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming of summer.
In our area most schools close for the summer. Living is more laid back and families plan vacations during this time. Outdoor events, including farmers' markets, are plentiful.
Keep abreast of what's happening in your town and more by reading Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
June is bustin' out all over
(June 11, 2013) June is a month of celebrations from end-of-school events, to graduations, weddings, plus start of summer celebrations. Flag Day is Friday, June 14, and Father's Day is Sunday, June 16. Everyone seems to be in a happy mood with the beautiful weather of moderate temperatures, blue skies and flowering gardens.
Keep abreast of what's happening in your town and more by reading Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
Keep abreast of what's happening in your town and more by reading Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
