Judaism Unbound Episode 429: The Jewish Calendar – Dalia Marx
Dalia Marx, an author, teacher, and activist who promotes liberal Judaism in Israel, is the Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Professor of Liturgy and Midrash at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. Her book, From Time to Time: Journeys in the Jewish Calendar, uses a progressive approach to explore each Hebrew month and its holidays alongside art and literature. She joins Lex Rofeberg and Dan Libenson for a conversation about the Jewish calendar of the past, present, and future.
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[1] Be sure to check out Marx’s book on the Jewish calendar, From Time to Time: Journeys in The Jewish Calendar.
[2] Marx states that the actual date of Shavuot is debated amongst certain Jewish communities to this day. Check out Episode 264: Karaites: Bible Only, Please – Shawn Lichaa to learn about the Karaites’ and the Rabbanites’ different approaches to the Jewish calendar, including when to celebrate Shavuot.
[3] Marx discusses the custom of eating dairy on Shavuot. Learn more about this quirky tradition with our past bonus episode, Shavuot Part III: What’s the Deal With Dairy?.
[4] Dan says he’s “become a religious convert to the school of Marie Kondo.” Listen to him and Lex talk about “Marie-Kondo-ing” Judaism at Episode 174: Tidying Up Judaism – Dan and Lex.
[5] Lex mentions that we had a coffee expert teach about the historical link between the popularization of coffee and the tradition to stay awake all night on the holiday of Shavuot. Watch a recording of the presentation at ShavuotLIVE 2023: Session 11 – Avery Robinson.
[6] Marx cites the theory that Shavuot is an adaptation of the Christian Pentecost. Explore this idea further with John Barton and Michael Hilton’s essay, “Between Shavuot and Pentecost.”
[7] Lex mentions Dan’s love for both the Northern Kingdom and the work of Yochi Brandes. Well, check out The Secret Book of Kings, Yochi Brandes’ novel exploring the Book of Kings from the perspective of the Northern Kingdom and Jeroboam — translated by Dan Libenson.
