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The BBC has an article that describes how Ilan Ramon will become Israel's first astronaut and how he'll celebrate the Sabbath in space:
Ilan Ramon, Israel's first Astronaut
Israel's Science Ministry has said it is investigating ways to allow Colonel Ilan Ramon, the country's first astronaut, to cast his ballot [for the 2003 Israeli elections] aboard the space shuttle Columbia, scheduled to lift off on 16 January 2003.Israel's first space traveller faces other difficulties: How does a Jew observe the Sabbath in space? More precisely, if he or she is in a low-lying orbit where the sun rises and sets every 90 minutes, what constitutes the Biblical "seventh day of rest?"
Colonel Ramon is not particularly religious on the ground, but believes it is important to mark the Sabbath in space.
"My mother is a Holocaust survivor who was in Auschwitz and my father fought for the independence of Israel not so long ago," says the 48-year-old veteran fighter pilot from the Israel Air Force.
"I was born in Israel and I'm kind of the proof for my parents and their generation that whatever we've been fighting for in the last century is becoming true.
"I feel I'm representing the whole Jewish people," adds Colonel Ramon, who will be Columbia's payload specialist on its 16-day mission designed to study how the human body adapts to the zero gravity of space. [...]
Among the nine personal items Nasa will let Colonel Ramon take with him into space will be a small pencil drawing made over 60 years ago by a 14-year-old boy who was killed in Auschwitz. Petr Ginz's "Moon Landscape" is an emotional work created by the Czech boy during his imprisonment in the Theresienstadt ghetto. [...]
While his mother survived the Nazi horrors, Ramon's grandfather and many extended relatives perished in the death camps.
An official at Yad Vashem says: "'Moon Landscape' connects the dream of one Jewish boy who is a symbol of the talent lost in the Holocaust to the journey of a Jewish astronaut, who is a symbol of our national revival."
To find out how Ilan Ramon will be able to celebrate Sabbath in space, see below. I also copy an information page on Ilan Ramon from Nasa's website.
Update 2/3/2003: Here are some related articles to the incredible stories of Ilan Ramon and Petr Ginz -
NASA sends first Israeli astronaut into space (1/16/03)Tragedy over Texas skies: seven astronauts killed
in explosion of space shuttle Columbia (2/1/03)Artist Barry Munden creates painting in memory of Ilan Ramon and Peter Ginz (2/2/03)
Celebrating the Sabbath - in space
BBC, Ari Ben Goldberg, 25 November, 2002
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/
world/middle_east/2330933.stm
When Israel's national unity government collapsed on 4 November, officials began a mad scramble to prepare the nation for new elections in January.
Political parties have been organising primaries and drafting candidates for their lists in record time.
One logistical headache for some, however, is how to vote from space.
Israel's Science Ministry has said it is investigating ways to allow Colonel Ilan Ramon, the country's first astronaut, to cast his ballot aboard the space shuttle Columbia, scheduled to lift off on 16 January 2003.
Israel's first space traveller faces other difficulties: How does a Jew observe the Sabbath in space?
More precisely, if he or she is in a low-lying orbit where the sun rises and sets every 90 minutes, what constitutes the Biblical "seventh day of rest?"
Colonel Ramon is not particularly religious on the ground, but believes it is important to mark the Sabbath in space.
"My mother is a Holocaust survivor who was in Auschwitz and my father fought for the independence of Israel not so long ago," says the 48-year-old veteran fighter pilot from the Israel Air Force.
"I was born in Israel and I'm kind of the proof for my parents and their generation that whatever we've been fighting for in the last century is becoming true.
"I feel I'm representing the whole Jewish people," adds Colonel Ramon, who will be Columbia's payload specialist on its 16-day mission designed to study how the human body adapts to the zero gravity of space.
So how will Colonel Ramon celebrate the Sabbath?
"Basically, we've decided that he'll follow Cape Canaveral time," says Rabbi Zvi Konikov, a Florida-based orthodox rabbi to whom Colonel Ramon posed the question.
Rabbi Konikov's ruling is based on a principle in Jewish law that if one lives in a remote place, he or she should celebrate the Sabbath according to the times of the nearest big city with a sizeable Jewish community.
For example, Jews in Alaska celebrate the day according to Seattle time.
The most notable features of the Jewish Sabbath include the lighting of candles and the recitation of a blessing over wine - called Kiddush - which inaugurate the Day of Rest.
Strictly religious Jews also refrain from all forms of creative labour, such as using electricity and writing.
Since most prohibitions are not practical aboard a manned spacecraft - especially lighting a fire which could be downright dangerous - Colonel Ramon has chosen the Kiddush blessing as his way of celebrating the Sabbath.
"I was surprised and overwhelmed by the effort Nasa made to accommodate my request," says Colonel Ramon, who has also managed to get kosher meals provided during the mission.
"I'm impressed by Colonel Ramon," says Rabbi Zonikov, who will be attending the launch as a guest of the astronaut.
"Here is a successful, colourful scientist and Air Force pilot and what's on his mind - the Sabbath! That's incredible. In addition to fulfilling his mission for Nasa, it's clear Ilan also wants to represent Israel and the Jewish people with pride."
Remembering the Holocaust
Among the nine personal items Nasa will let Colonel Ramon take with him into space will be a small pencil drawing made over 60 years ago by a 14-year-old boy who was killed in Auschwitz.
Petr Ginz's "Moon Landscape" is an emotional work created by the Czech boy during his imprisonment in the Theresienstadt ghetto.
It portrays the earth from a safe distance - revealing the young man's dream to escape his earthly ghetto walls.
Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust museum, chose the painting at the request of Colonel Ramon, who asked for a Holocaust-related item to be taken with him.
While his mother survived the Nazi horrors, Ramon's grandfather and many extended relatives perished in the death camps.
An official at Yad Vashem says: "'Moon Landscape' connects the dream of one Jewish boy who is a symbol of the talent lost in the Holocaust to the journey of a Jewish astronaut, who is a symbol of our national revival."
Ilan Ramon, Biographical Data
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/
Bios/PS/ramon.html
NAME: Ilan Ramon (Colonel, Israel Air Force)
Payload Specialist
PERSONAL DATA: Born June 20,1954 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Married to Rona. They have four children. He enjoys snow skiing, squash. His parents reside in Beer Sheva, Israel.
EDUCATION: Graduated from High School in 1972; bachelor of science degree in electronics and computer engineering from the University of Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1987.
SPECIAL HONORS/AWARDS: Yom Kippur War (1973); Operation Peace for Galilee (1982); F-16 1,000 Flight Hours (1992).
EXPERIENCE: In 1974, Ramon graduated as a fighter pilot from the Israel Air Force (IAF) Flight School. From 1974-1976 he participated in A-4 Basic Training and Operations. 1976-1980 was spent in Mirage III-C training and operations. In 1980, as one of the IAF's establishment team of the first F-16 Squadron in Israel, he attended the F-16 Training Course at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. From 1981-1983, he served as the Deputy Squadron Commander B, F-16 Squadron. From 1983-1987, he attended the University of Tel Aviv. From 1988-1990, he served as Deputy Squadron Commander A, F-4 Phantom Squadron. During 1990, he attended the Squadron Commanders Course. From 1990-1992, he served as Squadron Commander, F-16 Squadron. From 1992-1994, he was Head of the Aircraft Branch in the Operations Requirement Department. In 1994, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and assigned as Head of the Department of Operational Requirement for Weapon Development and Acquisition. He stayed at this post until 1998.
Colonel Ramon has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours on the A-4, Mirage III-C, and F-4, and over 1,000 flight hours on the F-16.
NASA EXPERIENCE: In 1997, Colonel Ramon was selected as a Payload Specialist. He is designated to train as prime for a Space Shuttle mission with a payload that includes a multispectral camera for recording desert aerosol. In July 1998, he reported for training at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. He is currently assigned to STS-107 scheduled to launch in 2003.
Congratulations on Ilan Ramon becoming the first Israeli astronaut in space. This is a historic moment for all Jewish people around the world. It is something we can be proud of for future generations; a fact we can pass down to our children.
Let us hold are heads high, and add Mr. Ramon to the list of great Jewish contributions to the world.
Mazel tov!!!
Jeff Fisher
Toronto, Canada
I really respect Ilan Ramon, because as a Jew, I feel that he is representing the Jewish community.
Posted by: Lauren on January 22, 2003 02:13 PMI really respect Ilan Ramon, because as a Jew, I feel that he is representing the Jewish community.
Posted by: Lauren on January 22, 2003 02:13 PMI think it is beautyfull and symbollic that Ramon took with him to space two things connected to the Holocaust to show the world that Israel is like Foenix, raising from the ashes.
Posted by: feli on January 23, 2003 10:28 AMWe are all proud of him and good luck!
Posted by: Avi on January 31, 2003 09:30 AMI can not express how sad I am today. To all those who love Ilan Ramon, you have my families heart felt condolences.
Toronto, Canada
Posted by: Leslie Fenney on February 1, 2003 09:19 AMOur family sends our deepest sympathy to all the astronaut families on the disaster of 2/3/03. May their memories be a blessing to their families, friends, USA, and Israel.
Posted by: Myrna Winter on February 1, 2003 09:55 AMMy family and I reamin so proud of Ilan Ramon and the other astronauts from the United States and India who died while working together in peaceful cooperation to further the cause of science.
We are heartsick for Ilan Ramon's family and for the people of Israel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time.
Posted by: Carlos on February 1, 2003 10:42 AMMay Peace be with the families at this time of great loss.
Posted by: Eric on February 1, 2003 01:16 PMsorry for your loss, Judaism is a state of mind, not a nation state...peace to all in middle east, jews and cousin arabs
Posted by: andy on February 1, 2003 01:21 PMI am from Plano TX USA, 17/Female...and saw the explosion, and a condominium a few blocks down, caught fire from one of the falling debree and now thousands of the pieces are falling on us... on me, on my heart etched with that POEM (**explains below)!
I am actually very sad, but also happy to know that One of Israels'Finest, was On that Shuttle! Although His life was cut way too short, he has now made a place in my heart, as Israel is and, will always have a special place in my heart.
He will be remembered, as all the Astronauts will.
**I just found out what he took w/ him... 9 personal items, and one was a poem written by a young boy when he was in a DeathCamp...I am so humbled by this, and to know that some of Ilan Ramon's Family are surviors of the holocaust.
He is part of Israel and now A part of me...Thank you, and Peace be to Israel and To Ilan Ramon's Family
Posted by: Shelby Esquivel on February 1, 2003 01:58 PMMy deepest condolences go out to the family of Ilan and the Jewish people on the passing of our hero, Ilan.
May his life inspire 10 million Jews to follow in his brave footsteps.
Love and sympathy from Trinidad,
Cheryl.
Yitgadal vyitkadesh shemay rabba
Posted by: GSA on February 1, 2003 03:46 PMmy familys deepest condolences go out to the family of ilan ramon ah" and all the astronauts on board the Columbia. His memory will forever be in our hearts A proud Jew and A proud Israeli and A proud astronaut.
Posted by: joe barnathan on February 1, 2003 08:10 PM
Ilan Ramon was and is and will always be treasured by millions of people who never knew him personally. My heart is now with his family and loved ones.
Ilan Ramon. Un orgullo para el Pueblo Judio, Estaremos contigo siempre.
Posted by: Aizenstatd on February 1, 2003 09:38 PMGod bless and comfort his wife and children. God bless Israel in their grief.
Barry Gannon
Posted by: Barry Gannon on February 1, 2003 10:19 PMMy Heartfelt Condolences to ALL of the families and
friends of the 7 Space Shuttle Columbia
Astronauts including My Hero, Ilan Ramon from Tel
Aviv, Israel. The First Israeli Astronaut in Space...
Mazel-Tov! I had the honour ( just following the
President's Speech) of Lowering the American Flag to
"Half Mast", after I asked Mark if I may help him with
the duties at hand. Mark is an employee of the
Portland, Maine Post Office on Forest Avenue.
Ahalavah Shalom (May You All Rest in Peace).
B'Shalom, Perry - Portland, Maine USA
I shall name my first born in honor of a fallen hero of my people.
Posted by: Jason on February 2, 2003 12:41 AMI feel very sad today, but there are really not enough words to express my gratitude and thankfullness to you, Colonel Ramon.
In my memory you shall live on as a brave HERO to us, to humanity and to the Jewish people.
Shalom, Ilan!
May God bless your wife Rona and your four children.
I feel for Rona, her children, Ilan's Father, family and friends - yours is a personal grief. For us, people of the State of Israel, Jews from all over the world, Ilan has become a hero. Looking up at the skies his memory will live on as a symbol of inspiration and courage.
Shalom Ilan
May god be with all of the crew on board the Columbia.
Posted by: Alisha on February 2, 2003 08:53 AMIlan, I don't think there are words to describe what I am feeling. I want God to tell Ilan that we love him, and that we are very proud of him, and he is a great loss to our country and to humanity.
God bless you Ilan. We are here for you, Rona, Assaf, Tal, Tiftach & Noa.
Shalom Ilan. Anahnu ohavim ot'ha vegeim beha meod.
I WAS VERY TOUCHED SEEING THE BREAKING NEWS, ILAN , YOU ARE OUR HERO, AND THE FACT THAT YOU CONSIDERED KEEPING SHABAT AND HOLDING A NOTE FROM A KID KILLED IN AUSWITCH, AFFIRMS THAT OUR PEOPLE IS THE CHOOSEN
MAX SIHMAN FROM CARACAS VENEZUELA
Ramon was a truely heroic figure, let alone for his efforts w/ NASA, which only aeronautic geniuses will comprehend. He, as stated repeatedly, an ambassador for Israel, representing talent and accomplishment. Very sorry for his loss, as well as the six others on Columbia.
Posted by: Jared on February 2, 2003 10:18 AMHere in Zichron Yaakov, Israel,our spirits soared as we watched Ilan joyfully go about his work aboard Columbia. We looked forward to celebrating upon his return home. His colleagues have been phoning local Israeli radio stations to tell what a modest, good-natured, loving person Ilan was in addition to being a gifted fighter pilot. My heart aches for his family and his nation. How proud we were of him.
Posted by: Linda Giller Goodman on February 2, 2003 11:51 PMKnow that the IDF set up an email address to which messages can be sent to Ilan Ramon's family members.
The address is: ilanfamily@mail.idf.il
Arab-American and very saddened by this tragedy. My deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of Ilan Ramon. May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Ramy Ballout on February 3, 2003 01:08 AMI am really sorry for Ilan and the other 6 heroes who died on Saturday. Those guys were some of the brightest and most talented people on earth. I am from Malta and watched in horror and with much grief as the events unfolded on Television. My deepest and most sincere condolences to Ilan's family. He touched my heart by taking that picture (drawn by a Jewish boy in a Nazi camp) with him to space. God will surely reward him for that marvellous deed:-)
Posted by: Stephen Cachia on February 3, 2003 01:50 AMI am so sad about the death of Ilan Ramon, one of the greatest heroes of Israel. Of course, as an American, I am equally sad about the deaths of all of the crew members of the Columbia, but because of my love and support for the people of Israel, my affection goes out to Colonel
Ramon and his family.
This occasion is so sad, yet in some ways, it actually draws our countries together.
I love Israel and the Israeli people and I hope that the American people and the Israeli people can work together forever.
Again, I am so sorry for the death of Ilan Ramon.
With all respect,
John Cullum
Posted by: John Cullum on February 3, 2003 04:20 AMFrom the Netherlands:
My condolances to the families of all astronauts, espescially to Ilan Ramon's and to the state of Israël.
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Bonset on February 3, 2003 08:00 AMI was deeply shocked and saddened on hearing the news of the Colombia tragedy, the loss of the astronauts, including Colonel Ilan Ramon.Words are difficult to express at this time. My heart goes out to all the families and loved ones affected. My heart goes out to the several nations especially grieving at this time, and of course Israel, who mourns the first Israeli astronaut in space. May you be comforted by the word of God that points to God's intimate and loving concern for all of us. He knows each of us in eternity, as He knows the names of each star.
Shalom and God bless,
Sean McAree
heelo i am a juish boy a israeli i was vry sad to hear the bad news about ilan.i was very sad that i cried.i am vry sorry.ilan was a real hero for israeel.ani meahel lachem amon aslaha ani mestaer meod mashe kara le ilan ramon.mestaer me kol ha lev
Posted by: yaniv ben david on February 3, 2003 10:46 AMHi, I'm 17 from Israel
There r no words to describe the sadness and also the anger we feel.
Everything was going to be alright, he was going to land, we were going to be happy and proud after 2 and a half years of terrorism and tears, but now even that is gone....
before the flight, I didn't really follow the news and didn't see such importance for his flight,
only now that hus gone I can see...
He meant and still means so much to Israel, he represents us, our spirit, our ambitions, and our love 4 life.
Ilan, u'll be a hero 4ever, u brought us pride and we will never never ever forget u!
Ilans family and all the other astronauts' families, I can't imagine just how big your loss is, yet all I can do is offer u my condolences,
I will always support u in my heart
just know that all the people of Israel, USA, and most of the other people of the world love u and r always with u!
Today I woke up to find that my (achi)brother Ilan Ramon, was killed in the space shuttle that exploded. I wish it was a bad dream, I wish it would stop, but then I wake up and I realize that it's not a bad dream and that it really happened. As I lie in bed watching CNN I can only dream of the sights he saw from space. I can only dream of the how proud he was to not only represent Israel but the jewish people as a whole. On the day he blasted off into space my friends and I lit a shabbat candle for him. Ilan you were a true hero, you make me proud to be jewish and you are one of the main reasons I'm going to make aliyah to Israel.
R.I.P.
Ilan Ramon
-Ariel-
There are not enough words to express my sadness for Ilan Ramon and his family. Although I do not know a lot about him since I am from America. I find myself wanting to know more. I found myself today searching the internet for information on such an honorable man. I truly wish there was a way I could write his family and tell him what the man I have come to know through this tragedy means to me. I am so sorry for their loss. For reasons I cannot understand this is a loss I take personally and my heart aches for the loss of him. I am so sorry for his family.
Posted by: Mary Elizabeth Rodriguez on February 3, 2003 09:26 PMAll I want to do is cry when I think of this tragedy. Ilan Ramon was a symbol to all Jews in Israel and in the diaspora, showing the world what a showcase Israel has to offer. He represented himself with such pride and honour to his people and family. It was a moment we all looked forward to, to see his return to his people on earth.
Ilan, we will remember your honour and your dignity forever, and even though you did not make it back to earth, you will always be the first Israeli in Space. We cry and mourn with your family.
Rest In Peace
Shane
Melbourne Australia
>Mary E. Rodriguez wrote:
>I truly wish there was a way I could write his family
>and tell him what the man I have come to know
>through this tragedy means to me
The Israel Defense Forces has created a special e-mail address where the public may express its condolences to the Ramon family and to the people of the State of Israel on the loss of Col. Ilan Ramon in the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy.
The e-mail address is: ilanfamily@mail.idf.il
All letters received by the IDF will be presented to the Ramon family.
Thanks for caring and good luck.
>Mary E. Rodriguez wrote:
>I truly wish there was a way I could write his family
>and tell him what the man I have come to know
>through this tragedy means to me
The Israel Defense Forces has created a special e-mail address where the public may express its condolences to the Ramon family and to the people of the State of Israel on the loss of Col. Ilan Ramon in the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy.
The e-mail address is: ilanfamily@mail.idf.il
All letters received by the IDF will be presented to the Ramon family.
Thanks for caring and good luck.
may god be with you , i am a mexican ameican or hispanic in south texas. i am deeply sorry for what happened and wish the family best wishes. there are no words that can express this painful event. how we americans said after sept 11 "united we stand", well we should all be united all races doesnt matter what color you or we are female or male , child or adult, i mean everyone think about it why war , why hate, why fight, cmon. lets all be united something like sept 11 or colombia shuttle event doesnt have to happened for us to be united. well again im my respects to all seven members of the sts 107 crew
Posted by: norma lopez on February 4, 2003 02:42 AMilan you promised us that you would keep shabbat
why did you let them return on shabbat?
note the pieces fell on palestine (tx)
god bless them all
I would like to write something...but I don't have the words to describe the pain I'm feeling.
Our world especially the Israeli rialety is fool of blood, fear and pain and this...this was supose to be a good thing. But all we got is pain....and a great respect. Respect to those 7 wonderful people who went to such great mission...
tiena nishmoteihem zrurot bezror hahaim...
My heartfelt condolence to the family of Mr. Ilan Ramon and to the Israeli people. Words cannot describe the loss of a loved one. We can only feel the pain and the void. Rest assured however that this feeling will not be forever. Your loved one, Mr. Ilan Ramon, did not die in vain. He and his colleagues might have perished but their spirits soured high in celestial heavens where they belong in the company of stars.
Posted by: Wilson Afante Salviejo, Staten Island, New York, USA on February 4, 2003 11:07 AMHi Maya and Neosho,
You may want to post your messages. I posted mine.
Wilson
Posted by: mrabayev@cidronline.com, npiovo@cidronline.com on February 4, 2003 01:36 PMI'm sure the nation of Israel is proud of Ilan Ramon. I wish too express my heartfelt condolence for the family of the first Israeli astronaut in space and the the other families of the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy.
Posted by: James Hartman (Hartmann) on February 4, 2003 11:05 PMque dire, que dire. Nous éprouvions une telle joie, une telle fierté.
A ces sentiments succède une immense tristesse, un vide indicible.
Nous avions besoin d'espoir, nous avions besoin de nous évader de notre quotidien, mais certaines forces qui nous dépassent nous ont rappelé à notre destin, à notre sort de peuple éprouvé.
Mais Israel se relevera, comme il s'est toujours relevé. D'autres israeliens retourneront dans l'espace et rameneront aux israeliens un peu de pousiere d'étoile, Ilan, tu nous afait rever pendant quize joursun peu d'infini sur cette terre.
étriquée et déchirée.
Que D. nous accorde la délivrance, et qu'il t'accorde le repos eternel que tu as merité.
Pain,PAIN ,Pain that is what my whole heart and mind could feel when i heard of what has hapened.These GIANTS gave us a lesson that i should treasure till the end of my life.CHARACTER,KNOWLEDGE,COURADGE,LOVE are the posesions that even the richest and mostpowerful most of time do not poses.
Posted by: Bella on February 5, 2003 06:12 PMI, as a very proud American, can say from my heart, that all my prayers are with the family of Ilan Ramon. He is the perfect example of unity & fearlessness that noone shouls be afraid to go for their dream. I always will remember his smiles. In all of the before & after coverage, I am amaized to see how excited he was, always. I will continue to pray for you all. God Bless & Keep You Strong, forever. Thank-You.
Posted by: Barb Wojcik on February 9, 2003 09:06 AMTo the family of Ilan. I wish that we could take your pain away. I am a jewish woman who truly appreciates what your husband and father did for this world. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Posted by: Lori Pinter on February 10, 2003 05:06 PMI think yo' stanky @$$ needs to get some betta' info. Aight'? And a better picture.
Posted by: LaQuantinisha Haynes on February 20, 2003 09:37 AMilan ramon will stand forever in the isreal as the first of many to support his country
Posted by: the rocket boy on March 2, 2003 09:04 AMit's 22.8.04
my name is noam... i'm 16 years old girl frome israel... ramat gan
i think that people especially israely people... should allways reamember ilan ramon as a hero like it's should be...i'm very proud that small country like israel has come to high attainment.. so we can be proud... rmon's familly...i'm very sorry ebout your lost..
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