18th Oct 2009
Fall Tree Aleph – (Deuteronomy 6)
Fall Tree Aleph is created of the original letters of Deuteronomy 6. These include the famous Shema, which all observant Jews, since the time of Moses (thus including John the Baptist, Jesus and the disciples) pray every morning and evening.
“Hear Oh Israel , the LORD your God, the LORD is one” – the Shema, Deut. 6:4
| Deuteronomy 6 also includes another daily prayer, also said since the time of Moses: the Vahavta.
The Vahavta instructs, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Fall Tree Aleph is part of a mini series within the Trees of Life series called “Seasons of Trees.” It is the tree that represents autumn, as religiously significant time for Jews and the early Jewish-Christians. Known as the High Holy Days, this spiritual season begins with Rosh Hashanah. The Hebrew word “Rosh” means “Head” and the literal translation is “head of the year.” This New Year holiday commemorates the beginning or birth of Man, specifically Genesis’ Adam. |
Fall Tree AlephSeasons of Trees series |
Christian scholars believe that Jesus was born either during the fall celebrations or the ones in the spring as that was when Jews headed to Israel, plus there were astronomical events that are believed to have possibly been the Star of Bethlehem. The majority of scholars believe that Jesus was born in the fall.
As the Son of Man the birth of Jesus on the eve of Rosh Hashanah makes theological sense from a Jewish-Christian perspective. Being born at that time would have been meaningful to Herod, who was a Jew and would have understood the possible ramifications for such a time of birth for the real heir of David’s throne. Frankly, if one were doing PR for the baby Jesus such a birthday could not be beat for Jews who awaited a messiah and also a resurrection of the kingship of David’s lineage, overturning Roman rule, and also Herod.
The most sacred and solemn day of the Jewish calendar is Yom Kippur, a day of fast and communal repentance. It follows after Rosh Hashanah by a ten days.
A week later is Sukkot, also known as the feast and festival of Booths. It recalls the time the Tribes of Israel dwelt in tents (booths) in the desert. Temporary tents are erected where families and communities enjoy festive meals.
Thanksgiving is similar in many ways to Sukkot. Both are about the gathering of families in communal festive meals that celebrate the harvest but also an successful ending to a difficult period. While American Thanksgiving illustrations depict Pilgrims and Algonquin people sharing a meal, I have often wondered if they had erected temporary tents using skins or clothes as the weather was probably cooler and could turn inclement.
Thus the fall festivals are communal occasions.
The text of the Vahavta points strongly to family and community as it instructs followers, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way …”
Then it goes on to personalize one’s relationship to the commandments, “…and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
In other words, ponder and communicate, in thought, word and deed our love of the Lord with all love the LORD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might., everywhere and always, thus influencing others by example while gaining personal growth.
You can collect a signed, numbered limited edition print of Fall Tree Aleph, which should prove to be a better than average investment over time at (click:)Fall Tree Aleph Fine Art Print.
You can also bring this image into your daily life and share it with others who see you, where you live or work and your stuff through our (click:) Zazzle store. You can also click on the panel below, which currently features Fall Tree Aleph items.
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