Tal and Geshem - Climate Change In Australian Judaism

Journal article

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In Journal Issue

Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal, 25, 4 (2022)

Author(s) Raymond Apple AbstractJewish liturgical usage includes seasonal prayers for rain (Geshem) and dew (Tal) which are traditionally linked with the advent in Israel of winter (when the Geshem prayer is said) and summer (Tal). Each of these prayers has a poetic, ceremonial text. In Australia, Rabbi Francis Lyon Cohen of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, moved the two prayers to acknowledge the antipodean seasons, so that Geshem was said on Passover at the beginning of winter and Tal on Sh'mini Atzeret when summer commenced. This change reflected the weather in Australia but diminished the traditional link with Israel. After Rabbi Cohen's time the original arrangement was restored. This article tells the story.
Year2022
Pages581-592
Keyword(s)Religious Issues; Festivals; Francis Lyon Cohen; Liturgy; Geshem; Tal