Latest news with #KingSolomon
The Independent
15-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Tens of thousands of Jews gather for traditional blessing in Jerusalem
Tens of thousands of people gathered at Judaism's holiest site in Jerusalem on Tuesday for the traditional priestly blessing prayer. The 'Birkat Cohanim,' or Cohen's blessing, is a ritual dating back over 2,500 years to when King Solomon's Temple stood on the same site. The blessing is performed by male Jews who can trace their lineage back to the priestly caste, and takes place three times a year during Judaism's major holidays. Jews are currently observing the week-long holiday of Passover. The prayer was led by many of the country's top rabbis as well as Eliya Cohen, a former hostage who was released from Gaza in February, and relatives of other hostages still being held in Gaza. After the traditional blessing, the rabbis recited a prayer for the 59 hostages still held in captivity in Gaza. Many worshippers said the prayer had special meaning this year, given the ongoing war, which has stretched on for more than 18 months. 'It's hard for us to believe that we still have hostages that are not able to come home and come and be here and join us with this,' said Shandey Fuchs, who said she tries to attend the ceremony every year. She added that she hopes the prayer brings unity and lasting peace across Israel. The blessing is recited in Hebrew while religious men cover their heads with prayer shawls, creating a sea of white at the Western Wall Plaza. The paved prayer area in front of the wall is the last remnant of the second Jewish Temple destroyed in the 1st century. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which runs the site, said more than 200,000 people have visited the site during the Passover holiday, one of three Jewish holidays where ancient Jews traditionally made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Boston Globe
30-01-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Windfall could keep loved one alive, but at what cost?
Advertisement On the one hand, my wife always says, 'it's just money' and we sometimes spend (her) money to help family and friends in need, either by flying there to help or paying off debts, etc. On the other hand, my brother lived the life he chose and is reaping what he sowed. Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up Is it OK if I actually let him die rather than use my own kids' future security? It seems so wrong. Maybe my kids will be OK and learn to navigate the world without our extra money, while we know for sure my brother will die. And how will I feel with the money knowing I don't have my brother? TORN APART A. While this surely feels like a moral dilemma worthy of King Solomon's arbitration, I think you should actually consult a financial adviser. You have an immediate expense and a long-term expense, so there's likely ways to manage your money in service of both. An adviser will have experience talking through goals and desires and helping people to make the best plan. Even without the windfall, making a financial management plan for your children that takes into account the challenges they face is a good idea. You should also talk to your brother. It sounds like you're taking on the responsibility of keeping him alive — or, really, deciding if he should live. That's too great a burden and I fear it's causing you more pain. This may be grief's way of showing up. That's understandable, but money — no matter what you choose to do with it — won't fix it. Advertisement Talk to him about what's happening in his life, what he wants, and how you both can be there for each other as he faces this stage. Q. I have a girlfriend who helps me by driving me to out-of-town doctor appointments. I'm old enough to be her mother. She is disabled and on a small income. I'm blessed with a healthy retirement income. I have gifted her several items. Recently, I got her a TV for her bedroom. A week passed and I asked what she did with the smaller one I gave her. She said, 'Oh, I sold it for 30 bucks.' I was floored. I paid $200 for it. Now I want to say to her that my gift-giving days are over. I also gave her a set of stainless silverware that I've never seen her use. I'm so mad. Why didn't she offer it back to me? Should I say something? HURT FRIEND A. I know your heart was in the right place, but it seems your friend needed $30 more than she needed a new television. When giving gifts, we don't get to dictate how they're used. Indeed, the hope of the gift-giver is that they haven't somehow misunderstood and given a gift that the recipient doesn't have use for. Petulantly withholding future gifts reflects poorly on you. Especially considering she gives of her time and resources by helping you with rides. Advertisement Instead, try telling her that you had hoped the TV would make her happier, but you understand. Ask if, in the future — say for birthdays or holidays — a gift card or cash would go further. Q. Regarding the letter from the remarried couple with the dilemma of what to do with their remains when they die and how to honor their late spouses at the same time ('Thinking Ahead'), I have an easy solution. Like them, my name is on my late husband's stone, and I will be buried there but I would also like to be buried with my parents in another state. Consequently, I will be cremated and have my ashes split and buried in both graves. TWO RESTING PLACES A. Cremation or aquamation (also known as biocremation or alkaline hydrolysis, a water-based process that breaks the body down similar to cremation but without burning) are great options if they match the couple's desires for their bodies after death. R. Eric Thomas can be reached at .
