Logo Contest
    The judges for the logo contest have been selected end will announce the winner at the Rosh Hashana services and the new logo will be unveiled!

Do You See Three Stars Yet?

Kaparot History
    It is a custom to perform the rite of Kaparot between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. However, the preferred time is just after dawn of Erev Yom Kippur. Chickens were chosen because the Hebrew word, 'kaparot', means both man and rooster. A rooster is taken for a male, and a hen for a female. A pregnant woman uses two hens - one for herself and one in case she is carrying a female child - and one rooster, in case she is carrying a male. The fowl is taken in one's right hand, and the appropriate verses in the prayer-book are recited. The fowl is then waved about one's head three times (during the waving, the right hand is placed on the fowl's head, and the fowl is held by the left hand) as the prescribed recitation is said. The chicken is later slaughtered (symbolizing the concept that a sinner deserves to give up his soul for not having used it to do G-d's will) and either the chicken or its cash value is given to the poor, for charity is an indispensable part of repentance, and the combination of the two can achieve atonement.

Mini-Cake Museum
    We had a great time at the Mini-Cake Museum. There were forty of us. We were all very fascinated and in awe of the little tiny details on so many decorative cakes. The Mini Cake Museum opened on June 26, 1994. Frances Kuyper, better known as the Cake Lady internationally, is the Founder and Curator of this museum. She personally gave us a tour in her house. On the first floor, there is a display of deferent decorated cakes. On the second floor, there is a videotape and book collection related to cakes and decorations, air bnush and oil paintings. Frances even made a special cake for our group, a Bar Mitzvah cake which was a beautiful onel Thanks to Frances and Koli Cutler for interpreting.

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