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The Chabad House today wakes up to that rare event on Jewish calendar Birkat Hachamah or the Blessing of Sun held every 28 years
The Chabad House,situated in the crowded by-lanes of dusty Paharganj,has welcomed travellers with a bottle of water,bananas and bread. Now,15 years after its inception,Delhis Chabad House,the oldest in India,is gearing up for Passover,to remember the exodus of Israelites from Egypt and their 400 years of bondage. But before they sit down for Seder,the ceremonial dinner,the Chabad House will observe that rare event on Jewish calendar Birkat Hachamah or the Blessing of Sun,held every 28 years,on Wednesday. This is to celebrate the suns return to the position it occupied on the fourth day of Creation.
While the more devout would get up early morning for the Blessing of Sun at the Chabad House,hundreds would congregate for the Passover at the rooftop of a nearby restaurant in the evening and break matza (unleavened bread) specially brought in from Israel. Astrid Josefi,busy dusting books in the library,says,This is a good time of the year when houses are cleaned and families get together for ritual feasts. It would be Josefis first Passover in India. While the pleasant Josefi visits the Chabad House twice a week,Micha,who designs clothes,observes that Judaism brings guidance to ones life. The Chabad House gives people an opportunity to pray and access kosher food. Many Israelis come to the Chabad House,because they feel at home,can use the telephone or the Internet and pray. It gives them a chance to get a feel of their religion, says Ezra.
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