Jewish Festivals
Rosh Hashanah New Year’s
• Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls in Sept. or early Oct.
• The sounding of the shofar signifies the beginning of this 10 day period of repentence.
• In traditional Orthodox communities the shofar is blown every morning
for the entire month preceding Rosh
Hashana; this sound is intended to awaken the
listener from his/her “slumber” and alert them
of the coming judgement.
• The traditional greeting on Rosh Hashanah is “shana tova,” Hebrew for “a good year.”
• Rosh Hashanah meals often include apples + honey, to symbolize a “sweet new year.”
• After the commencement of Rosh Hashanah, Jews spend 10 days concentrating on an assessment of conduct & behavior in the previous year.
Yom KippurDay of Atonement
• The 10-day period of self reflection & asking for forgiveness from God ends with the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, or “Day of Atonement”
• Yom Kippur is marked by a 24-hour fast and intensive prayers of repentance.
• Signs of comfort and luxury are not allowed; for example, women often do not wear makeup. Sexual relations are also not permitted.
• No food or drink is allowed in order to demonstrate that this day is better spent on prayer.
• Total abstinence from food & drink usually begins 30 minutes before sundown and ends after nightfall the following day.
• Wearing white clothing is traditional to symbolize one’s purity on this day.
HanukkahFestival of Lights
• Celebrates the events of the
Maccabean revolt (168 BC), is
celebrated over 8 days in December.
Maccabean Revolt• The revolt was inspired by the
growing dissatisfaction with Greek rule among the Jewish population.
• A group of rebels called the Maccabees (followers of Judas Maccabeus), started a revolt and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem.
• The ceremonies of rededicating the temple took place over 8 days.
• Legend - when trying to light the sacred lamp there was only enough oil to last 1 day, but it burned for 8.
• Hanukkah is traditionally celebrated by lighting a candle for each of the eight days in a candelabrum, or menorah. The 9th
branch of the menorah is called the shamus (or
servant)
• Each night families recite special blessings.
Pesach (Passover)
• The feast of Passover is held in April over 7 or 8
days. • Celebration commemorates
the Exodus story - freeing of Hebrews
from slavery.
• The feast of Passover is held in April over 7 or 8
days. • Celebration commemorates
the Exodus story - freeing of Hebrews
from slavery.
• During entire week of Pesach, Jews do
not eat anything chametz (or leavened) to
commemorate the haste in which the
Hebrews had to flee from their oppressor.
• Custom - all first born males fast the first day of the festival; in remembrance of the first-born Egyptian males who were killed for their freedom.
• Seder, the ritual service / ceremonial dinner held at home on the 1st night of Pesach. Includes songs, special food, and prayer.
• The events of the Exodus story are told, reenacted and explained via the Haggadah.