Praying for rain in Israel - and a Black Friday sale at Judaism Online

It's a little-known feature of the Jewish calendar, but this past Wednesday, the 7th of Heshvan, is the day when we begin praying for the winter rains to fall in Israel. The date, set in antiquity, would allow the pilgrims who came to the Temple in Jerusalem for the holiday of Sukkot to get back to their homes before the rainy season starts. Outside of Israel, the date was set as 60 days after the autumnal equinox. 

Until recently, the Land of Israel depended on bountiful winter rains so that crops would do well and there would be plenty of food for all. (Today, modern Israel is a world leader in desalination, and even exports water to its neighbors.)

You can read all about the setting of the date when we begin praying for rain in the Talmud's tractate Ta'anit.

But I also want to share more with you than this short history of Jewish liturgy and our connection with our homeland and the environment. I thought it would be cool to also offer a blowout sale on my Introduction to Judaism course during the next month to get you started on your Jewish learning.

You can call it a Black Friday sale. But I prefer to call it a Heshvan sale, for the current month on the Jewish calendar.

Either way, it's pretty special. That is to say, really special. As in 50% off, whether you prefer to pay in one payment, 10 payments, or 20.

Here's how to sign up:

One payment - normally $699, and with 50% off, now $349.50

10 payments - normally $79/month, now $39.50/month

20 payments - normally $49/month, now $24.50/month 

This sale expires on November 30. If you want to save 50% on my Introduction to Judaism course, choose your payment plan and sign up today.

May the Land of Israel be blessed with abundant rain this winter, and may you be blessed with the spiritual sustenance you yearn for in your Jewish learning!

PS - you can absolutely share this post with friends or family members who would also like to learn Judaism with us at Judaism Online.