Saturday, January 1, 2011

A symbolic reflection

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A nun's face is caught up in the Book of the Gospels and is reflected back to us
(and to all in James' Weekend Reflections group).


The exquisite book from which the Bible readings are chanted was hand-written and illuminated by the French-speaking Benedictines of the Monastère de la Résurrection in Abu Ghosh.
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I realize that religious things are not at the top of most people's thoughts this day after New Year's Eve.
But as a good Jewish Mother I just have to talk about the brit.
Like all Jewish boys, Jesus was circumcised and was given his name eight days after his birth. Yaani, today, January 1.
Mazal tov!
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Various Christian churches around the world celebrate this day as The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
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15 comments:

  1. Another unique and profound reflection, Dina.

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  2. So January 1st is the day Jesus was named. An interesting point. Love the way you feature so many religions and, given the area you represent, I'd say you have poetic license to feature religion any day of the year. We learn so much from you.

    Here's to another great year of blogging!

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  3. That is a beautiful book!

    How interesting that today we wrote, in some ways, about the same topic.

    Happy New Year to you, Dina. I look forward to what you will be sharing with us through your window on Jerusalem and Israel in the months ahead.

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  4. Magnificent book. Happy new year, Dina. May your year be happy, healthy, and prosperous!

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  5. Francisca, this photo was taken before James started the reflections meme. I probably didn't even notice the reflection until I saw it on the computer.

    Jan, thanks. But not all the reader friends would appreciate a daily dose of religion here. :)
    Yes, the official giving of the name; but it wasn't Jesus, it was Yeshua.

    Sara, I much prefer the way YOU tell about the day in your lovely blog.
    Everybody, Sara found a rabbi who talks about the Feast of the Holy Name at
    http://www.interfaithfamily.com/life_cycle/pregnancy_and_birth_ceremonies/Why_January_1_is_Special_Even_Jesus_was_Circumcised_on_the_Eighth_Day.shtml

    Rob and Mandy, thanks and the same to you.
    I'll show more of this wonderful Gospel book on Epiphany.

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  6. I love illuminated books. Wonderful shots.

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  7. What a treasure that Book of the Gospels is!

    Perfect post for Weekend Reflections, Dina!


    «Louis» wishes you all the best this New Year!

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  8. Hi Dina! I didn't realise that Jesis could have been circumcised on January 1st if his birth was on December 25th. We don't celebrate this day as a the Feast of the Holy Name in our churches overhere, but is a wonderful idea. Happy New Year Dina!

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  9. Thank you for teaching me something I did not know before.

    Probably a unique moment when you took the first picture. Please have you all a wonderful, only happiness filled new year.

    daily athens

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  10. Don't comment much these days (we are monitored at work) but do keep an eye on your blog when I can.

    Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2011.

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  11. Since I'm not Catholic, do you have any idea if the stones in the frame of your first photo have a meaning? Or is it just decorative?
    Dina, a happy New Year to you:)

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  12. An interesting post and a great illuminated book.

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  13. Happy New Year 2011 and greetings from Argentina :)
    Elisa

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  14. Shalom friends and new year greetings to you too.

    Jeannette, I don't know anything about the stones on the cover. I will try to find out from the monastics who made it.

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  15. What a gorgeous looking book...such artistry and details.

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