The Jewish year
Explore the rich traditions and significance behind the Jewish holidays that have been passed down through the ages. These days are more than just celebrations; they form the cornerstones of Jewish life and bring communities together around the world.
Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year, serves as a reminder of the creation of the world, specifically the sixth day when humans were created by God. On this day, God entrusted Adam with the task of perfecting the world.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. On this day, we fast and beseech God to forgive us and grant us a healthy and prosperous year.
The joyous period in the month of Tishrei begins after Yom Kippur with the building of the Sukkah; it marks the beginning of a period of joy that reaches its climax with Simchat Torah.
On Simchat Torah (and in some communities on Shemini Atzeret as well), people dance in the synagogue with the Torah in their arms, circling the bimah seven times while singing joyful melodies.
On Hanukkah, we commemorate the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian armies. When the Jewish people reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem, they found a small jug of oil, enough to light the seven-branched Temple menorah for only one day.
The Jewish tradition considers the 15th of Shvat as the New Year of the Trees, as it marks the beginning of the trees' blossoming season in Israel.
On Purim, we commemorate God's salvation of the Jewish people. The destruction planned by Haman, advisor to the Persian king and descendant of the people of Amalek, known for their hatred towards the Jews, was thwarted, thanks to Queen Esther.
With Passover, a holiday that lasts for eight days, we commemorate the liberation from Egyptian slavery. Passover is considered the birth of the Jewish people, more than 3300 years ago.
On the second evening of Passover, we begin counting the 49 days until Shavuot: Sefirat HaOmer - the Counting of the Omer. This counting connects these two holidays together.
On Shavuot, we commemorate that over 3300 years ago, God gave the Torah to the Jewish people. In Hebrew, Shavuot means 'weeks' as it marks the culmination of the seven-week counting period, known as the Counting of the Omer.
Tisha B'Av" is indeed considered the saddest day of the year. From the earliest times in our people's history, this date has remained a low point in our history.
"Sara beTevet" is the fast day on the tenth day of the month of Tevet.
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The fast day commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar. The siege lasted for 2.5 years and ultimately led to the destruction of the Temple.
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"Jom Ha'sjo'a" translates to "Holocaust Remembrance Day" in English. It is observed on the 27th of Nisan, and it is the day when the six million victims of the Holocaust are commemorated. Special memorial events are held to remember and honor those who lost their lives during this tragic period in history.