With this tambourine, we salute Women of the Wall for their struggle for equality and peace at this sacred site.
With HanukkahThe holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its conquest by the Syrians in 165 BCE. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles in a hanukiyah oon each of eight nights. Other customs include the eating of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), playing dreidl (a gambling game with a spinning top), and, in present day America, gift giving. approaching, we want to remind the Ritualwell community that we are selling tambourines designed by artist Betsy Platkin Teutsch … and proceeds from every sale will help support the work of Ritualwell. These tambourines make wonderful gifts for people who appreciate the values of tradition and innovation that Ritualwell represents. Tambourines have ancient roots in Jewish tradition. Many psalms refer to the instrument and MiriamMiriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron. As Moses' and Aaron's sister she, according to midrash, prophesies Moses' role and helps secure it by watching over the young baby, seeing to it that Pharaoh's daughter takes him and that the baby is returned to his mother for nursing. During the Israelites' trek through the desert, a magical well given on her behalf travels with the Israelites, providing water, healing, and sustenance. used one to sing praise after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. Betsy’s innovation was to re-imagine the tambourine as a piece of visual art as well as an instrument. This resonates for us at Ritualwell. We believe in making the old new, and we look for ways to bring more beauty and intention into every aspect of our lives. Betsy’s tambourines reflect our commitment to evolving Jewish ritual and offer an invitation for anyone to participate. There is no special training required to shake a tambourine!
The tambourine we are offering is called “Thanks for the Chair.” It depicts a diverse group of women praying at the KotelThe Western Wall, which was a retaining wall of the Second Temple, is all that visibly remains of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It has long been a holy site for Jews. Since 1967, when the Israeli army recaptured the Old City, including the Western Wall, a large plaza has been created where Jews can congregate and pray. The Wall has also been the subject of controversy, including for women from liberal Judaism, who have been successfully barred from reading from the Torah or donning a tallit at the wall. (Western Wall). We are delighted that Betsy is re-issuing this piece fifteen years after it first appeared. At the same time, we feel great sorrow that women are still not able to pray as they choose at the Kotel. With this tambourine, we salute Women of the Wall for their struggle for equality and peace at this sacred site.
Please consider purchasing one of these beautiful tambourines as a gift for a loved one—or for yourself. Ritualwell is supported through the generosity of its users. You can always make a secure online donation here.
