"You Shall Rejoice in Your Festival": Why the General Assembly is Holy Ground

Publication Date: January 1999

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): Irwin Kula; Bradley Hirschfield

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Community Formation; History; Communal Organization; Religion

Type: Other

Abstract:

The author discusses the parallels between ancient Jewish festival gatherings in Jerusalem and modern meetings of the Jewish community, such as the annual conference of the United Jewish Communities. He suggests that Jewish continuity requires us to see modern gatherings in the light of the past, how the Atlanta Marriott Marquis can serve a function similar to the holy Temple in Jerusalem, and how wherever Jews gather to share their bounty and their fellowship becomes holy ground.