Judaism

1. Judaism Feasts and Festivals

2. Shabbat “And on the seventh day the Lord rested from all the work that He had done” (Genesis 2:2). Shabbat is the holiest day of the week for Jews. It begins on Friday evening at sunset and ends on Saturday at sundown. The day is spent at the Synagogue, however, the day is reminder of the importance of family. This day celebrates that the heavens and earth and everything on the earth is a gift from God. Last one day, every week.

3. Passover This day celebrates the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. God protected the Hebrews when the angel of death “passed over” the Hebrew homes that were marked with lamb’s blood and only took the first born son of the Egyptian families. This final plague meant that the Pharaoh released the Hebrews from Egypt. The Passover begins with the Seder Meal which marks the first night of Passover. The Seder meal is symbolic and everything recalls the event of freedom. This holiday reminds Jews to fight for freedom for all: “When one person is not free, no person is free” Lasts 7-8 days in March/April.

4. Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur This holiday represents the beginning of a new year. The celebration begins in the Synagogue where God is declared King and ruler of all nations. Jews then pray for God’s protection and blessing. All Jews are called to recall the covenant and faith of their ancestors. The rabbi blows the Shofar– the ram’s horn after prayers as a symbol of a new year in renewed covenant with God. Rosh Hashanah ends with Yom Kippur which is a Day of Atonement/Reconciliation with God. It lasts two days in September or October.

5. Purim This celebration remembers the story of Queen Esther. Queen Esther risked her life to save the Jews. She is revered for her bravery and wisdom. On this day it is traditional to wear a mask, exchange gifts, shake noise makers and drink beer. It is a joyful celebration of victory. It lasts one day in February or March depending on the calender.

6. Tishab’Av This holiday commemorates the destruction of the temples and Jewish tragedies. Many Jews will spend this day in mourning at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. The Holocaust is remembered on this day. On this day, Jews remember the brave people that protected them when they were faced with discrimination. Lasts 1 day in July/August.

7. Hanukkah This holiday is known as the festival of lights or the festival of dedication. The holiday is celebrated for 8 days commemorating that the Jews restored the temple during Maccabean revolt they lit the sacred lamp to rededicate the temple to God. There was enough oil to last one day but miraculously the oil burned for 8. This was evidence of God’s presence and blessing. The menorah is lit during this holiday (9 candles), one for each day and one known as the shammus or servant that is always lit.

8. Succot This holiday commemorates the time that the Hebrews spent as nomads travelling from Egypt to Jerusalem. This holiday lasts 1-8 days and God is praised for protecting His people from the elements. Traditionally the Jews would build small structures with grass, hay or straw to remember this time.