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November 20, 1998/ 1 Kislev 5759, Vol. 51, No. 9
Jewish group encourages smokeout observance with packs of candlesThe National Jewish Outreach Program is urging Jewish smokers across North America to extinguish their cigarettes and light Sabbath candles instead.As part of the NJOP's Shabbat Smokeout campaign, one day after the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout program, Jewish smokers are being asked to abstain from their habit for one 24-hour period, while at the same time learning how the Sabbath can be an impetus for enhancing both spiritual and physical health. The event begins at sundown today (Nov. 20) and ends at sundown on Saturday, Nov. 21. The NJOP is distributing 10,000 mock cigarette packs to synagogues, community groups, Hillel houses, Jewish centers and participants of past NJOP programs. Each pack contains Shabbat candles instead of cigarettes, a brochure containing a thumbnail explanation of Shabbat, the Shabbat candle-lighting blessing, and a list of 12 joyous and meaningful things one can do on the Sabbath instead of smoking. The NJOP was established in 1987 by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald. It offers free programs at more than 2,400 locations across North America and in 27 countries worldwide. |
