The “APPLE” – a symbol of temptation and sin. It all started way back in that Garden of Eden.
“Forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, which grew the tree of knowledge between good and evil, serves as the catalyst for the fall of man where original sin entered creation and led to the reality we face every day.” – www.compassion.com
Humankind has certainly partaken in its share of travesties, some more benign than others. We have witnessed war, where land indigenous to others, is coveted and heinous violations ensue. Or, we observe from the safety of our own homes on television, how groups of people like the Druze are being slaughtered with no public outcry.
How do humans treat other people is chronicled in history. Just to name a few groups targeted: Persecution of Uyghurs in China, the allegations of genocide of Ukrainians in the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Darfur genocide, Effacer le tableau, focused on eliminating pigmies, etc.- Wikipedia Tragically, there are too many to mention.
To think of what mankind is capable of in terms of violence and other atrocities all in the name of religion, intolerance or some other dogma, is deplorable. None of us want to see such horrors.
But October 7 th shed light on the depth of hatred we knew existed, only this time, we saw the battlefield and it was like none other.
What hope do we have when deceased are taken hostage ? How low does the depravity go ?
How do you negotiate with those who do not value human life ? It’s a conundrum.
The world can feel as though it is unraveling, like the peeling of an apple. How do we end the madness?
It’s too late to go back and undue that fatal error in judgement by Eve with Adam.
But to mark every new Jewish New Year we eat apple dipped in honey. Why ?
More likely, apples were selected because in ancient times they became a symbol of the Jewish people in relationship to God. In Song of Songs, we read, “As the apple is rare and unique among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved [Israel] amongst the maidens [nations] of the world.” – https://reformjudaism.org
Recently, I heard of an exchange between two brothers regarding how one couple felt towards the respective sister in law. It stated “I/We don’t like her !” At least they were politically correct with pronouns. But what a horrifying and cruel message to send to another human being.
With all that is going on around us, devoid of humanity and kindness, our family will embrace the upcoming year filled with hope for forgiveness, a wish for good health and happiness! Let’s hope we aren’t biting off more than we can chew lol.
And with that we wish all peace in the world and a Happy Jewish New Year.
