In addition, Jews must read the Book of Ruth in the synagogue. Ruth records a Moabite woman's love and loyalty to Judaism and the Jewish nation, and also records the genealogy of King David. It is said that this day is also the day when King David died. In Jerusalem, people will go to the tomb of King David on Mount Zion, and 65,438+050 lamps (or candles) will be lit in front of the tomb, symbolizing 65,438+050 poems written by King David before his death, in order to mourn his soul in heaven. The dinner on the day before July 7 can be said to be the first meal in summer. People sit on the porch covered with flowers and plants, eating jam and cheese pancakes and eating a big plate of fresh fruit. Usually, most families put two cakes made of new wheat flour on the dining table as a symbol of offering sacrifices to God. Also bake a long loaf of bread with four corners, and make it into a triangular jiaozi with apples and cheese. During the festival, children will get a pie named "Mount Sinai" to encourage them to learn Torah well.
The night of July 7th is unforgettable. Usually a family sings around the table for hours. The balconies are all open, and the neighbors in the street take turns singing. Sometimes one building sings one song and another building sings another song until the whole street is full of music. On this day, some orthodox Jews will keep quiet all night and read scriptures. On July 7th, Israelis like to decorate their courtyards and rooms with flowers. People collect or buy a lot of flowers and decorate their homes like parks. Even the kitchen, living room and porch are decorated with fragrant lilacs and tulips. No matter where you go at home, you will feel that a new season and festival are coming. Because of this, a few days before July 7, the flower shops on the street were crowded with people. On the afternoon before, you will be surprised to find that all the flower shops filled with green flowers on weekdays are sold out, and every household is like a park, with a fresh fragrance floating in the air. People can't verify the origin of the custom of decorating the courtyard with green plants and flowers on July 7. I think maybe the ancestors of the Jews wanted to catch the first ray of sunshine in summer, so they took it home. July 7 is an auspicious day, and young lovers like to sign an engagement on this day to complete the great events of their lives. It is said that people who sign an engagement on this day can guarantee a happy marriage.
July 7th is also one of the three major pilgrimage and sacrifice festivals in Judaism. Orthodox and conservative sects celebrate for two days, reformists celebrate for one day, and Israel has a day off. On this day, many people go to the suburbs for picnics, visit the seaside and lakes, and the whole day is full of songs and laughter.