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Jewish Festivals

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.

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Jewish Festivals

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  1. Jewish Festivals

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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”

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. HanukkahFestival of Lights • Celebrates the events of the Maccabean revolt (168 BC), is celebrated over 8 days in December.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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