Posts by Jacob Oslick
120 posts
Mikveh Israel's previous building has been re-opened to the public as a department store. Before you pass judgment, the Israeli developers have done a truly fantastic job of incorporating and restoring the building's original features. You can really get a feel for what it used to be like. The developers should be applauded.
An update on the Papal Shabbat. It turned into a wonderful opportunity to share KKMI's traditions. Vilna (now Chabad) and Bnai Abraham (Chabadified Ashkenazi) both very graciously permitted KKMI to "take over" for the weekend -- with the services being conducted in KKMI's Western Sephardic tradition. A big thanks to both Kehilot!
Once again, the Catholic Church has exiled us. In light of the Pope's visit, this week Friday night services at Mikveh Israel (Philadelphia) will be at Vilna Congregation. Saturday morning will be at B'nai Abraham. Posting this in the off-chance any of you were planning on visiting Philly this weekend. . .
Why is the Ashkenazi Kedusha formula used for Shaharit of Tishangah B'ab?
Dedication service for Beth El Emeth, an S&P synagogue that existed in Philadelphia from 1857-1895. http://leeser.library.upenn.edu/documentDisplayTextFrame.php?id=LSKAP13-1054Beth El Emeth started as a Mikveh Israel breakaway to house Isaac Leeser, but outlived Leeser by 30 years. Its cemetery still exists, although it's now in the care of Mikveh Israel. Other ministers to serve the congregatio...
Does anyone know if this group has contacts with Amsterdam or London? They are descendants of Dutch Portuguese Jews, so they should have an interest in their S&P heritage. It looks like they converted through Ashkenazim though.
Last Saturday night, I attended a Hanukkah (Januca) party in Merida, Mexico, where my father lives. About 30 people attended, only 20 of whom were Jewish. The organized community, as a whole, totals about 40-50 people, many of whom aren't Halachically Jewish. It's almost entirely transplants - about 2/3 retirees, and 1/3 businessmen. It functions largely as a social organization, not a religio...
I was at Temple Buffault in Paris a couple of weeks ago for Shabbat and Sunday Shaharit. Interesting experience. Definitely still S&P, although with a lot of differences from the Anglo-Dutch nusach, and a very noticeable North African influence. Happy to chat about it if people are interested.
I'll be spending Shabbatot in both London and Paris over the next few weeks. Other than the S&P synagogues (we'll be walking distance to both) anyone have recommendations on what to see? Also, any suggestions for prepaid Shabbat meals?
White smoke puffed out of 70th and Central Park West this morning. . .
In his forward to the Yede Abraham site, Rabbi Gabbai of Mikveh Israel (Philadelphia) indicates that S&P congregations used to exist in places such as Cairo, Salonica, and Cochin (India). This past weekend, I happened to ask him about the Cairo congregation (stumbled upon, actually). He indicated that the central synagogue in Cairo when he was growing up used melodies and traditions very similar...
I highly recommend this week's column from Mark Wolfson, Parnas of Mikveh Israel. It's partially a eulogy for Rabbi Michael Tavyah, formerly the spiritual leader of the S&P community in Curacao, and for years a devoted member of KKMI. The column also has some great information on the S&P community in Curacao. FYI, I knew Michael, though certainly not well-enough. He was a kind, friendly man, wh...
Small story. . . The caterer at my wedding this past Sunday was fascinated with the S&P birkat hamazon booklets we had. He told me that he had been part of a small S&P minyan that met in Brooklyn on Haggim for more than 20 years, before falling apart 10-15 years ago. Anyone know anything about this group?
Do you live near a Western Sephardic congregation? If not, would you be interested in trying to organize a minyan near you? (yes, this is partially my attempt to direct the group back towards its central purpose)
An article about the S&P community in Albuquerque, staring our own David DeHerrera. I don't know much about this community. But, according to Mikveh Israel's e-newsletter last week, it follows Mikveh Israel's traditions. David, I hope your community has stayed strong while you've been serving our country!
We've been talking about money, and our lack thereof for some of the projects we've discussed. Perhaps one of us might be interested in applying for this.
Anyone in the Los Angeles area who wants to reach out to this group?
Haim Amalem: great Rabbi, or greatest Rabbi? Yes, he is technically not S&P. But he embodies the wisdom, tolerance, and common sense that is a hallmark of the Western Sephardi tradition.
Small question: in the Western Sephardi synagogues I've been to, unmarried men called up for aliyot are generally called "h'bahor," (young man) while married men are called "h'givir" (man). I don't think I've ever seen that distinction made in other Sephardi synagogues, or in Ashkenazi communities. It's always intrigued me. Does anyone know the origin of the custom?
Starting new minyanim?This might fit under the "projects" thread, but I thought it deserved it's own topic. The best way to preserve the Western Sephardic Tradition is to introduce more people to it. The best way to do that is to have Western Sephardic services in more places. Right now, unless one lives in one of a few tiny neighborhoods around the world, there's no way to way to attend a West...