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Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Retain Jewish rhythm with Chabad calendar

For the 22nd consecutive year, Chabad of Oregon is printing the Jewish Art Calendar for the upcoming Jewish calendar year, 5767 (September 2006-September 2007).

The calendar is full of holiday information, educational messages and an array of beautiful thematic Jewish artwork.

Chabad prints 10,000 copies to be distributed to the entire Jewish community. If anyone in the community would like a calendar, e-mail calendar@chabadoregon.com or call 503-977-9947 with your name and address, preferably by Aug. 31.

The Jewish calendar is an important part of the Jewish tradition.

Today, the entire world uses the Gregorian calendar. Still, the Jewish calendar is used along with about 40 other calendar systems throughout the world.

Established by Pope Gregory in 1582, the Gregorian calendar was influenced by the Jewish calendar. Its main purpose was to replace the older Julian calendar of 45 B.C.E. Over time, the celebration of Easter had drifted away from its springtime position and its proximity to Passover. In Christian theology, the two celebrations are linked.

The Gregorian is a solar calendar based on the tropical year of the sun and the seasons. Unlike the Jewish calendar, it ignores lunar cycles.

Since many Jews today plan their lives according to the Gregorian calendar, they rely on the calendars they receive from organizations such as Chabad to know when to celebrate Passover, Sukkot or the High Holidays, and all the festivals central to Jewish life.

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