Jewish Holidays Tips

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What is Channukah?

2. Commemoration

Channukah is the holiday commemorating the miracle which occurred during the time of the Maccabis.

The Jewish Holy Temple was desecrated by the Greeks and the eternal flame was put out. The Maccabees had enough olive oil to light the flame for only one day but the trip to the next town was much longer. A great miracle occurred when the oil burned until the new oil arrived - eight days and eight nights later. Jews now light the Channukah Menorah for eight days and nights, commemorating the miracle that happened.

You can learn more about Channukah by clicking here! http://judaism.lifetips.com/RscArticleV.asp?id=1263

   
When is Pesach (Passover)?

1. Holiday Dates

Pesach is the 1st of Nissan. This Yom Tov, which is also referred to as Seder Night, is one night is kept Israel and two nights in the rest of the world. This holiday may fall anywhere between the end of March and the end of April.

   
When is Tu B´Shvat?

1. Holiday Dates

Tu B'Shvat is the 15th of Shvat on the Hebrew calendar. This holiday usually falls at the end of February or the beginning of March on the English calendar.

   
When is Shavuot?

1. Holiday Dates

Shavuot is on the 6th of Sivan on the Hebrew calendar. This Yom Tov, commemorating the day God gave the Jews the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), and usually falls in the month of June on the English calendar.

   
What do I use to pray with on Yom Kippur?

3. The Praying Factor

On Yom Kippur, Jews are asking God for forgiveness for all their sins from the previous year. Therefore, a special prayer book called, "The Machzor" containing prayers of repentance is used.

   
What are some traditions observed on Channukah?

4. Holiday Traditions

Channukah is the holiday when gelt (money) is given to the children and a game called, dreidl is played.

Foods cooked in olive oil are traditionally eaten, most commonly:
Latkes - potato pancakes. Want the recipe! http://judaism.lifetips.com/RscArticleV.asp?id=1270
Sufganiot - jelly filled, deep-fried donuts

   
When is Simchat Torah?

1. Holiday Dates

Simchat Torah is the 22nd of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar. This date may fall anywhere between the end of September and the beginning of October on the English calendar.

   
When is Purim?

1. Holiday Dates

Purim is the 14th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar. If you live in Jerusalem, what is known as Shushan Purim, which is on the 15th of Adar, is celebrated instead. Purim usually takes place in the month of March.

   
When is Yom Kippur?

1. Holiday Date

Yom Kippur is the 10th of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar. This date is always 10 days after Rosh Hashannah on the English calendar, usually falling in September or October.

   
When is Sukkot?

1. Holiday Dates

Sukkot is the 15th of Tishrei. The first two days are considered Yom Tov while the remaining 6 days are referred to as Chol HaMoed, days where the certain laws still apply. This holiday may fall on dates anywhere between the end of September and the end of October.

   
What is a Channukah Menorah?

3. Lighting the Menorah

The Menorah consists of eight lights and a tall light called, the Shamash. Using the Shamash to light the lights, every night another light is added until on the eighth night of Channukah, all eight are lit up.

   
What do I use to pray on Rosh Hashannah?

4. Prayer Books

A special prayer book specifically for Rosh Hashannah is used. This book is called the "Machzor". It consists of prayers that are only recited on Rosh Hashannah and not on any other day of the year.

   
When is Rosh Hashannah?

1. Holiday Dates

Rosh Hashannah begins on the 1st of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar. This Yom Tov continues for two days and may fall anywhere between the end of August and the end of September on the English calendar.

   
When is Lag B´Omer?

1. Holiday Dates

Lag B'Omer is the 18th of Iyar on the Hebrew Calendar. This date usually falls in the month of May on the English calendar.

   
What is the significance of Rosh Hashannah?

3. The Praying Factor

This holiday not only marks the Jewish New Year, it is also the day that Jews pray for the year to come. Also known as the Day of Judgment, on this day specifically, God determines the outcome of the coming year for every individual.

   
What are the customs of practice on Yom Kippur?

2. Customs of the Holiday

Yom Kippur, also known as, the Day of Atonement, is a day of fasting. No food or beverage are consumed for 25 hours. The idea is to remind one of the solemnity of the day, that this is not a day of celebration.

   
When is Channukah?

1. Holiday Dates

Channukah is the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. This date usually falls in the month of December, but has sometimes begun in the end of November. The holiday is eight days and eight nights long.

   
When is Tisha B´Av?

1. Holiday Dates

Tisha B'Av is the 9th of Av on the Hebrew calendar. This date usually coincides with a date in the month of July on the English calendar.

   
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