Thursday, July 10, 2008

Yanks Win 4th In A Row


They're not playing long ball or small ball, but perhaps A-Rod inspired Ka-Ball
from judiasm
The Red String: A Bracelet for Blessings.
According to tradition, a red string is wound around the stone marker over Rachel's grave seven times, while reciting various Hebrew prayers. Including Psalm 33, the mystical prayer Ana B'Koach and Asher Yatzar. The string is then cut into bracelet size lengths and is worn on the left hand as a symbolic request for spiritual and physical protection and blessings.
No one actually knows how or exactly when the custom of wearing a red string began. But we do know that every detail contains deep significance.
The Concept of a String and the Color Red
Every morning, "a thread of grace prevails" and G-d renews the world for another day. The string symbolizes that "thread of grace."
While the Hebrew word for "red," adom, emphasizes the unique relationship between man and his Creater. For example, adom is related to many words such as adama "earth, dam, "blood," adam "man," and Adam HaElyon, "Supernal man." Red also reminds us of teshuva, the need to return to G-d by improving our ways, as the sages say, "If your sins be as crimson, they will be as white as snow."
Seven Times and the Left Hand
The "seven times" correspond to seven days of the week, symbolizing the need for G-d's constant protection. It also symbolizes the seven emotional attributes, the seven times a bride encircles a groom, and the seven G-dly emanations (sefirot). It may also recall the merit of the seven Holy Shepherds responsible for bringing the Divine Presence down to Earth.
It is also known that the left heart is full of blood and is home to the Nefesh, the vitalizing animal soul in a person. Wearing the string around the left hand reminds the person of the "battle" that must be waged against one's selfish urges.

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