Shavua tov and shanah tovah!
What better way to begin 5772 here on Our Shiputzim than with an aliyah-promotional post?
But, don’t worry, this isn’t going to be yet another essay extolling the joys of one day of yom tov.
(Although coming, as it does, on the heels of two days of Rosh Hashanah followed by Shabbat, such a post would certainly be, uh, in its place – if I may use the Heblish term...)
The thing is that I’ve pretty much covered the topic here, and also, I realize that it’s very difficult for those who haven’t yet had the privilege of experiencing one day of yom tov to see it as an advantage. (And, IMHO, the standard “day and a half” halachic arrangement offered to many visitors from abroad doesn’t count as “experiencing” one day of yom tov.)
Because chances are, if you’re like many Diaspora Jews – my pre-aliyah self included – you love yom tov and, in spite of all the cooking and preparations, can’t imagine willingly giving any of it up. (But check out my original post if you’re curious.)
And, so, instead, this post will focus on a different, albeit related, reason for making aliyah – namely, hot showers on yom tov.
Yes, that’s right.
Contrary to popular belief, one may, in fact, take showers on yom tov – as long as one adheres to certain conditions and restrictions. (For example, one can’t wash or immerse one’s entire body at once; one can’t shampoo one’s hair; etc. CYLOR for details.)
Of course, this is true in chu”l as well. However, outside of Israel, few – if any – people have solar water heaters, and thus (again, CYLOR), cold showers are the only option on yom tov in the Diaspora.
But here in Israel, where – except for on rainy, winter days – we heat our water with the ubiquitous dude shemesh (solar water tank/boiler), most authorities hold that one may use hot water for showers on yom tov.
In other words, my friends, if you, too, wish to enjoy a hot shower on yom tov, you have a little less than two weeks to pack your bags and join us here in Israel… before Succot and Simchat Torah (which are both three day affairs in chu”l this year).
Of course, ironically, considering that we only celebrate one day, hot showers on yom tov aren’t that essential here…
.צום קל ומועיל
Have an easy and meaningful fast.
Interesting about the solar heaters . . .
ReplyDeleteIn regards to your question about the turkey roast, it is a trussed up turkey breast (it looks like a beef roast, but it is turkey). I think the sauce would work with turkey breast on the bone, too.
But, what is this sauce that you used for turkey breast? Recipe please!
I gave your link to a friend who needs reasons #1-#7042 (her family isn't so pro her coming).
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't be reading Laura's comment on turkey while fasting. It's hard to concentrate on that cute name "dude shemesh."
I think there's also a restriction on how to dry oneself. That's why my terrycloth robe is so great.
ReplyDeleteI love the dovening here, where it's clear that we're saying the words with meaning.
Dude, I just *love* our dude shemesh!
ReplyDeleteLaura - Thanks again for the explanation!
ReplyDeleteLeora - Since we conveniently changed the clocks here just last night, the fast ended at 5:41. When is it over for you?
Batya - You're right. So much of the tefilah pertains to Eretz Yisrael, Yerushalayim, and the Beit HaMikdash.
Toby - LOL! :-)
Since you can heat water on yom tov, if you have a regular boiler, not a "combi" which turns on when you turn on the hot tap, you can have a hot shower in chutz la'aretz as well! Of course,there are many other great reasons to live in Israel!!
ReplyDeleteI find that without washing my hair, I still feel dirty no matter how much I wash up...
ReplyDeleteMrs Belogski - Of course,there are many other great reasons to live in Israel!!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! :-)
Malke - I feel the same way, but it's still MUCH better than no shower at all... :-)