Judaism is one of the oldest and most prominent religions in the world,and it’s rich and ancient culture includes a series of fascinating events that are celebrated each year all over the world.The key events on the Jewish calendar are all tied to significant religious occasions and are observed differently throughout the various branches of the religion.Although the celebrations may vary in their scope and scale, they all aim to bring Jews together in joy and unity.
One of the most important events celebrated in Judaism is the Jewish New Year,or Rosh Hashanah.During this time,it is traditional for Jews to reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming year ahead.Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the ten-day Yamim Noraim or Days of Awe,ending with Yom Kippur,the holiest day of the year.
Another major Jewish festival is Pesach,or Passover,which commemorates the Jews’ escape from slavery in Egypt some 3,500 years ago.This celebration is celebrated by attending a special ceremony,called a seder,in which family and friends share a meal and sing traditional songs.In addition, special foods and activities unique to the festival,such as eating matzah,a unleavened bread, are also enjoyed.
On the harvest festival of Sukkot,families build temporary shelters called Sukkot in which they spend time with friends and family.During the week-long festival,Jews recite special blessings and recite prayers of thanks for the bounty provided by nature.In addition, Sukkot is a reminder of the time when the Jews were wandering in the desert and relying on God for food,shelter and sustenance.
Purim,or the Feast of Lots,is a popular holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from the wicked Haman,who was plotting to kill all of the Jews living in the ancient Persian Empire.The holiday involves the reading of the Megillah,the book that tells the story of the Jews’ deliverance,as well as feasting and exchanging gifts.It is one of the most joyous celebrations of the year,and its message of hope,courage and resistance to oppression is one that resonates with Jews throughout the world.
Shavuot,or the Festival of Weeks,commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.During Shavuot,Jews celebrate by gathering in synagogues,reading selections from the Torah and studying Jewish texts.In addition to the spiritual aspect of the celebration,Shavuot is also marked by eating dairy foods,festive parades,and outdoor concerts.
Hanukkah
One of the most widely known Jewish celebrations is Hanukkah,or the Festival of Lights,which occurs during the winter.Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Jews in the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greeks in the second century BCE.In addition to lighting special Menorahs and exchanging gifts,traditional Hanukkah activities include eating potato pancakes,or latkes,and spinning a four-sided top,or dreidel.
Fast of Esther
The Fast of Esther is observed in the spring and commemorates the courage of Queen Esther in standing up to the evil Haman and saving the Jewish people.On the day of the fast,Jews fast,attend synagogue services and recite special chanted prayers.
Lag B’omer
Lag B’omer is a joyous holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the days of counting the Omer,in the middle of the spring.On this day,Jews commemorate the rededication of the altar and the end of a fierce plague that had killed thousands of rabbis and students in the second century CE.On Lag B’Omer, Jews celebrate by feasting,singing and dancing,as well as making bonfires and shooting arrows.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is the joyous holiday that celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of reading the Bible.On this day,Jews dance and sing with Torah scrolls,often outdoors or in synagogues,and recite special prayers.In addition,Simchat Torah is a time for sharing blessings and good wishes for the coming year.
Chanukah Dreidal
The Chanukah Dreidal is a traditional spinning top that is used to celebrate the eight days of Chanukah.It is typically made of wood,with each side inscribed with the letters nun,gimmel,hey and shin,which together form the initials for “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,”or “A Great Miracle Happened There,” a reference to Chanukah’s miracle.
Torah Scrolls
A Torah Scroll is a handwritten version of the five books of Moses.Torah scrolls are often used in synagogue services and are an essential part of Jewish tradition.The scrolls must be written by a qualified scribe and adhere to strict rules of preservation and use.The completion and dedication of a Torah scroll is an important moment in the life of a synagogue,and is celebrated by all members.
Kiddush Cups
Kiddush cups are special chalices that are used for the blessing over wine before the Sabbath or holidays.Kiddush cups are typically made of either silver,gold or crystal and are inscribed with designs and/or words from Jewish scripture.Kiddush cups are often given as gifts for weddings,bar mitzvahs and other special occasions.
Shofar
The shofar is a trumpet made from the horn of a ram or ram-like animal.It is used to proclaim an announcement,declare the New Year and to sound the call to repentance and prayer during High Holiday services.The sound of the shofar is said to stir the soul and awaken minds to the spiritual possibilities of the New Year.
