By Avihay Aharoni, Shaliach at Pearlstone
As I’m warming up inside after being out in the snow (sheleg), I thought it might be nice to share a few thoughts about snow from our Jewish tradition, along with a beautiful story and Israeli song.
Our sages taught us about the special blessing of snow. In the Talmud (Taanit 3b), Rava says: “Snow on the mountains is worth five rains on the ground.” This is because snow melts slowly, and the water is gently absorbed into the soil, deeply nourishing it.
The special whiteness of the snow reminds us of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” There is something purifying and calming about the sight of falling snow.
I’d like to share with you one of my favorite stories from our tradition – about Hillel the Elder. In his youth, Hillel was very poor and worked as a day laborer. Half of his meager daily wages would go to the guard at the study hall so he could enter and hear Torah from the sages Shmaya and Avtalyon. One day, when he couldn’t find work and had no money to pay, he climbed onto the roof of the study hall on a cold winter Shabbat night and listened through the chimney to words of Torah. The snow fell and covered him until the sages discovered him in the morning and rescued him. This story reminds us not only about the importance of making learning accessible to everyone, but also about how our study halls need to stay connected to their surroundings and social justice.
And while we’re staying warm inside, I’d love to share with you this beautiful song by Naomi Shemer, performed last winter at the peak of Mount Hermon. The song is performed by soldiers Assaf Moscowitz and Yehonatan Ashkenazi, who dedicated this performance to their platoon and to all those who lost their lives on October 7th, 2023.
Translation of Naomi Shemer’s “Snow on My City” (Sheleg Al Iri):
Snow on my city, resting all night
To the lands of warmth my beloved has gone
Snow on my city, and the night is cold
From the lands of warmth he’ll bring me a date palm
Snow on my city, resting like Talit (a prayer shawl)
From the lands of warmth, what have you brought me?
Snow on my city, snow upon my face
And within the fruit lies all my longing
These days, as I look at the white snow covering the farm, my heart is with Israel.
Avihay Aharoni
Born and raised in Jerusalem, Avihay is our Pearlstone Shaliach (Israeli Emissary), and enjoys making connections to Israel through songs, stories and music. He will be leading our farm-to-table Rosh Hashanah seder, designing the Israel Connection & Meditation Space, as well as leading a session teaching melodies from traditional Rosh Hashanah piyutim (poetry).
A Musical Journey into Jewish Piyut
Join Avihay to explore the deep waters of Jewish musical tradition. Rediscover our musical heritage that speaks of love, hope, and spiritual yearning.
Sessions on Saturday evenings 7–9PM | January: 4, 11, 18, 25, February: 1, 8, 15, 22, March: 1, 8 | in-person and virtual participation available