The Times of Israel says that it has been 28 years since February 29th fell on Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest). The writer imagines the Leap Day phenomenon could be food neutral - power ourselves on leftovers. I wonder about this linkage so go checking on Shabbat in Wikipedia. I find that Shabbat is very much a day with food traditions and rituals:
"Shabbat is ushered in by lighting candles and reciting a blessing. Traditionally, three festive meals are eaten: The first one is held on Friday evening, the second is traditionally a lunch meal on Saturday and the third being held later in the afternoon. The evening meal and the early afternoon meal typically begin with a blessing called kiddush and another blessing recited over two loaves of challah. The third meal does not have the Kiddush recited but does have the two loaves. Shabbat is closed Saturday evening with a havdalah blessing."
There is such diversity now in everyday living. Religious rituals are followed by some that are unknown to others. I hadn't thought about what it means to "cease work", but there are rules on this. One cannot weave two threads or separate two threads. No sifting, kneading, or baking. No plowing sowing or reaping. What about no erasing two or more letters? That seems bizarre to me.
I am fascinated by "the erasing of two or more letters". There is no breaking the letters when cutting the cake. Not knowing the context of this, I think of birthday cakes with names and happy birthday on them - put the names on with block letters so one can cut the cake (what about candles? I bet they are a problem). And what about writing on the side of books and letters on packages? Again I visualize a cereal box that needs to be opened for breakfast and chaos erupts. Don't open a book before checking it out.
These imaginings are perfect for Leap Day. I have "leaped" out of my first world secular bubble for a little bit. I will climb back in and continue my own repeated activities of a Saturday.
The Mega Squall occurred yesterday - it was north and west of us - so we were spared yesterday - sunshine and cold weather was our fate. Supposedly the snow flurries that didn't arrive yesterday will come for a visit today.
Here's an image with the "light beyond" - my version of the mystery of life and the universe. This one is a hotel window curtain.
