I fell in love with the song, Hag Hassukot Hazzē Lachem, during Sukkot about 12 or so years ago. I had gone to the synagogue for erev Sukkot for the first time in ages, and everyone was singing this beautiful song and pounding rhythmically on the table at the chorus. And to be honest, I felt so out of place. I didn’t even recall the song. It was one of the moments in my life when I realized I was a very educated Karaite but I had no sense of community. So I decided I’d promote the song and learn about it. I found something rather interesting along the way.
A Bad Imposter in this Karaite Sukkot Song
Filed under Aaron ben Joseph, Sukkot
The Oral History of The First Karaite Meditation: Circle of Belief
For the past 8 years, I’ve dedicated much of my mission to spreading the beauty of Karaite music. It started with releasing Rotem Cohen’s recording of Ronnu Shamayim, arguably the most famous Karaite melody. Then I continued to work with Rotem on bringing out other traditional Karaite melodies, such as Kelil Yofi, my favorite song. Today, I want to share some of the behind the scenes discussions and work that went into producing the first Meditation Project we did.
Filed under Mantra, Meditation, Nir Nissim, Priel Nissim, Rotem Cohen
New Learning: Karaite Declaration of Faith
During the height of the pandemic, James Walker and I did a learning on the Karaite Declaration of Faith – the Tuv Ta’am. The Tuv Ta’am is recited during the Torah-mandated holidays. I re-recorded the learning for you to help you prepare for the upcoming holidays. I hope you enjoy. And yes, I am going to start blogging again. (More on that later.)
You can watch the video here.
Moadim Lesimcha: 5 New Books at The Karaite Press
Get these 5 books for $74 at TheKaraitePress.com
Hello! It has been too long. I actually completely lost my blogging voice. I am not sure whether it is going to come back and if so, in what fashion it will take. But I have not lost my love to preserve and bring to light Karaite literature. Today, I am going to provide a quick overview of five new books available at TheKaraitePress.com. You can buy all five new books for $74.00 at TheKaraitePress.com (just click on any of these titles and add the bundle to your cart).
Filed under The Karaite Press
How Kelil Yofi Became My Favorite Poem
I walked into the synagogue a bit late yesterday morning. After saying Shabbat Shalom to my parents, the first thing I did was find my Uncle Joe Pessah – the former acting rabbi of the Karaite Jews of America. I said, “Are we reading Kelil Yofi today?” He said, “You’re favorite! Yes it is coming soon.” I then made my way over to the bima to get the hazzan’s attention to let him know that I’d read Kelil Yofi. It never really occurred to me that Kelil Yofi was my favorite piyyut (liturgical poem), but I think it undoubtedly is.
In reflecting on *why* it is my favorite piyyut, I realized something important about Jewish learning.
Filed under Caleb Afendopolo, Kelil Yofi, Rotem Cohen
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz has a Fundamental Problem
I know. I know. You’re worried, “Here we go again. This is gonna be another variation of the Thinker post. And Shawn is going to make his name taking down those who speak ill of Karaites.” Don’t worry – it’s not and I won’t.
Lessons from a Seven Year Old (and Forgiveness for the Thinker)
Non-Karaites examining a fruit
This past week, my seven-year-old son saw my Twitter feed and read the words “A Blue Thread.” I then, for the first time, told him I had a blog in which I write about Karaite Judaism. I showed him my recent post on Yah Zimrati. His eyes lit up.
And his response reminded me why I started this blog. And it has nothing to do with take-downs of anti-Karaite “thinkers” (no matter how popular those posts are).
Filed under Tobias Funke
