Tashlich at Venice Beach

Shelton Richardson Anthro 121 10/26/15

Dr. Leanna Wolfe

What is Tashlich?

“Today we have come to this body of water to perform Tashlich, an ancient Jewish cleansing ritual that takes place on the first day of Rosh Hashana. We have come to the ocean with bread crumbs in our hands to concentrate on all the negativity we’d like to be free of such as our sins, transgressions, misdeeds, character flaws, destructive habits, and unworthy thoughts. We have searched deeply into our souls. Therefor, we cast our bread into the ocean and pray that God will cast off all our sins, heal us, free us, cleanse us, and renew our souls for the new year.”

-Rabbi Naomi Levi

Venice about an hour before the event. No participants in sight. Not sure if this was the right place, but that soon changed.

The beach became covered in a matter of minutes with people donning white clothing. The gathering was very friendly even though most people were stangers.

There were plenty of people in attendance who wore traditional Jewish garb. The event encouraged people to bring a percussion instrument such as a drum or tambourine.

Even some pets dressed traditionally.

A woman named Becky led the event with information on the history of Tashlich and an itinerary for the night.

The ceremony began with drumming led by a core group of drummers.

Once a rhythm is established, everyone is encouraged to join in the drumming.

A horn is blown to signal everyone that it’s time to pass out bread and pray before heading to the ocean.

The crowd heads to the water once they have made peace with the blessings they hope to receive this new year.

The bread was casted out to the water and some people swam or waded in the water to wash the negativity of the previous year away from them.

Everyone pitched in to clean the beach after the event concluded. Some people stayed behind to continue celebrating.