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I was referring to Rosh Hashonah, "head of the year" which often coincides with Leonard's birthday and marks the supposed anniversary of the creation of the world, therefore, the world's birthday. Most Jewish holidays, including the Sabbath, are celebrated with the lighting of a candle and a ceremonial cup of wine.

Rosh Hashonah, I see.

Thank you!

Demetris

PS) I understand that it is like the "New Year's Eve" for the Jewish calendar but it hasn't got a fixed date for celebration, right?

The first day of the first Jewish month, supposed to mark the day of creation, doesn't always fall on the same day of our calendar. It usually occurs around the first day of fall, Sept. 21, Leonard's birthday. Which means on certain years the two holidays would coincide. He would see himself as a New Years baby. The song "Who by Fire" is adapted from part of the Jewish New Years liturgy.

By reading further I see I was wrong about the picture. It represents a Sabbath observance. The full photo is on Jarkko's site and is called "Dad Sabbath" by his daughter Lorca. There are two candles, one for him and probably one for Lorca. The postcard only shows one candle. The Sabbath candles are usually lit by women unless there are none in the house. The wine glass is called a kiddush cup referring to the blessing made over the wine. A tallis, or prayer shawl in white with a fringe is partially showing in the full photo. The Sabbath is not celebrated, it is observed. Sorry about the mistake.

Thanks for the information.

You might be interested to know that the Greek word for Saturday is the same as the Jewish "Sabbath".


Demetris

Jarkko,
Thanks to you, Eija and Leonard for being the people you are.
The card is special, and though belated my thanks are sincere.

All the best
Dave

"Postia Sinulle" (Mail for you) is a Finnish language magazine published by our postal authorities and delivered to every Finnish household and office. The new issue told about our stamp project!

My Finnish is a little rusty Jarkko what does it say in English?

did you not go to Finnishing School Paula?

The 70th birthday in September of the singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen was celebrated with a special Finnish stamp. “Cohen was very touched by this photo stamp”, explains Jarkko Arjatsalo, the founder and webmaster of an international Cohen website, which is also contributed by Cohen himself. A widespread international circle of friends has developed around the website, and the members meet each other every two years. This group was also very excited about this unique chance [of creating a stamp of their own]; this kind of tailor-made stamps are not known in many other countries. Cohen’s office also ordered 20 sheets of these stamps, and they may use those in special occasions and stick them on the envelopes next to US stamps; the Finnish stamps are of course not valid in USA. http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com

Pete the school I went to was approved

Jarkko thanks for the translation. So Leonard's office ordered 20 sheets did any of them order the postcard to go with it? I don't know of any other countries that would do what Finland I couldn't see the Royal Mail doing it.

A widespread international circle of friends has developed around the website

What beautiful timing here for it to be "delivered to every Finnish household and office" there! Incredible coverage on our Leonard . Now, we can safely say that both Leonard and you are known throughout Finland . Who could resist reading an 'article' with a stamp that looked like that !?! Excellent, Jarkko. Your and Eija's enthusiasm had to have impressed your postmasters!

~ Lizzy