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P)age 15 - TH E SOUTH ERN KRA ELITE Ji«e8,1973 Jewish Quiz Box By Rabbi Samuel J. Fox QUESTION: Why is it customary to sing special table songs at the Sabbath table called “Zemiroth?" ANSWER: Some (e.g. Ya’avetz) derive Ibis custom from the verse in the Psalms (Psalm 92) which reads “A Psalm, a song for the Sabbath Day.” This would technically demonstrate that somehow the Sabbath and song are phenomena which have something in com mon and that Sabbath is a day of song. (Sefer Chasidim, also.) Others derive the idea from the fact that Job cursed his day by saying that there would be no songs on that day. This would indicate that a day which is regarded as blessed should have songs (Sefer Chasidim). Since the Bible, in the book of Genesis, indicates that the Almighty blessed the seventh day, these commentaries assert that its blessing should be demonstrated with song. Some (Rabbenu Ephraim) claim that the finishing touch which the Almighty put on Adam was the power to express himself in speech and song. Some rabbis note the fact that the words “Hashevi-i” (the seventh) and “Shevach B’peh” (praise with the mouth) have the same numerical equivalent in Hebrew letters. This tells them that the seventh day (i.e. the Sab bath) is a day on which to praise the Lord with one’s mouth. Perhaps the gist of this idea can be understood when we note that the songs are chanted at the table. The Sabbath table is supposed to stand out in comparison with the table set during the rest of the week. Physically, the best foods are plac ed on the table for the Sabbath. Spiritually, the atmosphere at the table is comparatively more relax ed and spiritual. This latter factor is A passion play with anti-Semitic overtones opened recently in the village of Tegeln, In the heavily Catholic southeastern part of Holland. The play, written 40 years ago by the Roman Catholic poet- priest Jacques Schreurs, will run. through July. Some 50,000 visitors are expected to attend. demonstrated by intellectual dis cussions which take place at the Sabbath table as well as by songs whose words quote phrases from the Bible, the Talmud and all of Jewish holy literature. While scholars can easily engage in deep conversations involving the in tellect, the average layman might have difficulty in attempting to do this. Hence, a way was provided to quote works of intense scholarship without being frustrated at having to understand their deep meaning. This was accomplished by putting these words into song which anyone can chant without too much trouble in comprehending them. In this way all alike can indulge in quoting the words of Scripture and the words of the wise — the scholar in his discussion — the layman in his song. Let us turn an ordinary trip JfjniV into a memorable one. FRANCIS TRAVEL AGENCY, INC 30 Pryor St., S. W. Atlanta, Ga. 30303 Dee dements Travel Consultant 522-6515 Area Code 404 For The Modern June Bride A Ludwig Wolpert Design •20 Truly Heirlooms of Tomorrow 3201 Maple Drive, N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30305 (404)237-8781 mdtrs the happy decorating family of Tucker, East Point, Decatur, Marietta, and Gainesville, announces the birth of a Million dollar baby, ROSWELL Barely toddling age, this brilliant child does anything his big brothers and sisters can do. winders DtcoRATiNq Centers 3658 Lawrencevilte Road Tucker, Georgia 30084 938-4600 2891 Church Street East Point, Georgia 30344 767-9411 1711 Browns Bridge Road Gainesville, Georgia 30501 532-7068 51 Austin Avenue Marietta, Georgia 30060 422-5801 2029 Candler Road Decatur, Georgia 30032 284-5636 1264 Alpharetta Str. Roswell 993-1250