Begin Easter Triduum with Gregorian Chant: Tenebrae

Candles of Tenebrae

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

It last only an hour, the prayers and readings of Tenebrae sung in Gregorian chant, but memories of the hour will linger with you for months, perhaps longer.

Tapered candles aflame with flickering lights in six foot candle holders prominently displayed on the high altar or presented in an impressive free standing candelabra (a hearse) at the altar entrance, immediately captures ones attention. Intermittently, between the chanting of psalms, Old and New Testament readings and writings of the Fathers in Latin by soloists and a choir of young men, one by one candles will be extinguished and the lights of the Church turned off.

When the last candle is snuffed out, a loud crashing noise meant to symbolize the earthquake that followed upon Christ’s death, shatters the quiet attention of the congregation. The Church is in complete darkness as the assembly bundles up and departs in silence. It is rare to hear any voices, not even muffled whispers as people solemnly exit.

Tenebrae, a prelude to celebrate the Lord’s Passion (Sacred Triduum--Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/the Vigil of Easter), signals the “light of the world” leaving the world. It is a medieval service celebrated on the eve or mornings of these three days. Tonight is the eve of Holy Thursday. Tomorrow the door of the tabernacle will visibly be left wide open after the Eucharist is removed.

In recent years, the resurgence of the Latin Mass has stimulated interest and participation in near extinct practices like the Liturgy of the Hours and Tenebrae. There are now several places where you can experience the timeless beauty of Gregorian Chant, (some of the oldest music that exists) just as it was sung by cloistered monks in the 7th and 8th century.

St. Agnes Church, Tenebrae will be sung on Wednesday April 8th at 6 PM completely in Gregorian Chant.

The Church of the Holy Innocents, Tenebrae will be sung on Wednesday April 8th at 6:15 PM, before the service, Tenebrae is explained. Parts will be recited and chanted in English.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Tenebrae will be sung on Good Friday April 10th at 9 AM in English.

St. Jean Baptiste Church, Tenebrae will be sung on Holy Saturday April 11th at 9 AM in English.

Have a Happy Easter!

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York



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Addresses and Directions to Remember:

St. Agnes Church, 143 East 43rd St., New York, NY 10017, 212-370-5791. From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, walk one block east to Lexington Ave, then one block north to 43rd. St.

The Church of the Holy Innocents, 128 West 37th St., New York, NY 10018, 212-279-5861. From Times Square MTA N, R, Q, W to 34th St., walk west to Broadway, then north to 37th St.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Avenue and 50th St, New York, NY 10022, 212-753-2261, http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/. From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 51st St., walk west 3 blocks to 5th Ave.

St. Jean Baptiste Church, 184 East 76th St., New York, NY, 212-288-5082. MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 77th St., walk one block south on Lexington to 76th St.

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Photo courtesy of Manhattan Jewish Experience


© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Chag Suhmayuch!

Happy Holidays!

Dear Postcards from New York Reader:

The stories have been re-read for centuries—no millenniums, on the first night of Pesach (Passing Over) the Exodus story will again be retold around the dinner table of countless families gathered for a meal filled with symbolism, the Seder. It is the focal point of the Passover celebration.

To better appreciate the Holiday, this past Sunday was spent with a Chassidic community in Crown Heights, Brooklyn; I had the privilege to visit a Chassidic synagogue, to see how matzah (unleavened bread) for Passover is made in wood/coal burning ovens, (in 18 minutes, would you believe) with a rabbi overseeing the process, and go behind the scenes inside a Mikvah. A very special day I look forward to sharing with you in an upcoming Postcard.

Hundreds of thousands of Jewish families around the world will gather tomorrow after sunset for the first night of the eight day observance for a ritual Seder. They will listen attentively to the story of the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt as it is read from the Haggadah. It is a story of hardship, privation, courage and perseverance.

Now, say you are on vacation or visiting New York, perhaps you recently moved here and have no family, or no family nearby. What to do?

Three suggestions where you can celebrate Pesach in a community setting:

• Chef Floyd Cardoz combines Indian flavors and spices to create a unique Sedar experience at Tabla Thursday evening, April 9th from 6 to 10PM.

• The three Caposouto brothers at Caposouto Freres offer a French inspired Seder both Wednesday and Thursday evenings, April 8th and 9th at 6:30 PM.

• Manhattan Jewish Experience will host a traditional Seder with explantions at the Jewish Center both Wednesday and Thursday evenings, April 8th and 9th from 7:30 to 12 AM.

Availability is limited so call immediately to book reservations.

Chag Suhmayuch!

Jacqueline Cable

For Postcards from New York

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Addresses and Directions to Remember:

Tabla, 111 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, 212-889-0667, www. tablany.com. Directions: From Times Square MTA N, R, W to 23rd St., walk east to Madison Avenue.

Caposouto Freres, 451 Washington St., New York, NY 10013, 212-966-4900, www.capsoutofreres.com/. Directions: From Times Square MTA 1, A, C, E to Canal Street, walk west on Canal, pass Hudson Street, walk west on Watts St., walk 10 blocks to Washington St.

The Jewish Center, Manhattan Jewish Experience, 131 W. 86th St., New York, NY 10024, http://www.jewishexperience.org/. Directions: From Times Square MTA 1 to 86th St.

If you like today's issue, why not become a subscriber to Postcards from New York? To start receiving your own copy visit http://www.postcardsfromnewyork.com/ and enter your email address. Or, forward this to a friend so they can sign-up to receive Postcards from New York too.

You can choose to receive Postcards From New York as an e-mail or RSS feed. Click on the small orange button on the right side of the webpage to activate the RSS. Then you will receive new "Postcards" on your email homepage, or enter your email address on the Home Page at www.postcardsfromnewyork.com to receive "Postcards" via email. Be sure to check your email in-box for a confirmation email, then just click where indicated to activate your subscription.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

NYBG - Escape to a Tropical Rainforest

Ahh! The Orchids

Dear Postcard from New York Reader,

Stepping into the Conservatory, a grand Victorian glass palace, was a Star Trek moment come true. You know the scene where the crew of the Enterprise beams down to a foreign planet and stand mesmerized before they set off on their mission? Before my eyes, orchids in every size shape and color clung to the bark and thick foliage of magnificent trees in a steamy humid rain forest.

Their astonishing beauty was nothing less than bewildering. The scene recreated a world millions of years before humans existed, when orchids, lush vegetation and strange animals were the dominant forms of life. More than 85% of almost 30,000 orchid species live high in the air, hanging from majestic tropical trees with their roots exposed!

Of course, I wanted to read all the detailed descriptions for every flower on display; for instance, I discovered Vanilla, a familiar flavor we all love, comes from an orchid! But, time and again the flower textures, colors, sizes and incredible shapes were too compelling to ignore. I forgot about reading and just looked.

Would you believe, some orchids have spots like leopards; some have long hollow tubes, spindles, and pouches like kangaroos. Others have furry spines, hairs, bumps, tails, slippers, and bubbles. Theirs is a fascinating world to engage the imagination for a lifetime. One can easily see why scientist spent many years studying just one species.

Best of all, you can actually take one or more home to enjoy. Shop in the Garden has hundreds of extraordinary orchids available for sale with experts on hand to offer advice on how to care for and grow them.

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Just for Kids:

Even more than the zoo, Spring is the best time to visit the Botanical Garden. There are hands-on programs for children as young as two years old, where they can explore, discover, and experience nature at its most vibrant. Let them get their hands dirty; they can dig, plant and grow vegetables and flowers, feed worms, and create interesting things like compost and bark rubbings.

Don't miss "Chocolate and Vanilla Adventures," at the Everett Children's Adventure Garden where youngsters can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

In the mood to feast your eyes on a few more orchids? Click on Ahhh! The Orchids…and select View as slide show.

See the Orchid Show now through April 12th.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York


Address to remember New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street at Kazimiroff Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, 718-817-8700, www.nybg.org.

Hours: Tues-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM.

Directions: Metro North from Grand Central Station twenty minutes to Botanical Garden Station.

If you like today's issue, why not become a subscriber to Postcards from New York? To start receiving your own copy click on Postcards. Or, forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive Postcards from New York too.

You can choose to receive Postcards From New York as an e-mail or RSS feed. Click on the small orange button on the right side of the webpage to activate the RSS. Then you will receive new "Postcards" on your email homepage, or enter your email address on the Postcards from New York Home Page to receive "Postcards" via email. Be sure to check your email in-box for a confirmation email, then just click where indicated to activate your subscription.

Photo by Joseph Knight



© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group