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Shabbat
Shabbat is one of the foundations, if not the foundation, of
Jewish life. Its observance has protected and inspired the Jew
throughout history and has influenced, in some degree or
another, all of civilization. It is based on two fundamental
premises:
1. G-d created the world in six “days” and “rested” on the
seventh “day.”
2. G-d intervened in history to take the Jewish People out of
the bondage of slavery in Egypt. |
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Tu B’Shevat
Jewish Arbor Day. Celebration of new fruits and the land of
Israel.
Shabbat, January 22, 2008 |
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Tisha B’Av
We remember the date of the destruction of both the First and
Second Temples, with the subsequent
loss of national sovereignty and exile from the Holy Land.
August 10, 2008 |
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Purim
Commemorates the rescue of the Jewish people in ancient Persia.
Celebrated with feasts, special prayers, the reading of the book
of Esther, the sending of gifts from friend to friend, and extra
charity.
March 21, 2008 |
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Rosh Chodesh
The word Rosh means “head,” (In other words, “beginning”.) Rosh
Chodesh is the night when the New moon can first be seen and
when the
New Month begins. |
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Passover
Commemorates the Exodus of the Jewish people from ancient Egypt.
No foods containing fermented grain products – Chametz – may be
consumed or found in any Jewish household. Special family meal –
the “Seder” - conducted during the first 2 evenings in the
Diaspora.
April 20 - 27, 2008 |
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Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year Day of Judgment for the entire world.
Extended, special synagogue services and blowing of the ram’s
horn – Shofar. Start of Ten Days of Repentance.
September 30 - October 1, 2008 |
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Yom HaShoah
Holocaust Memorial Day – Special memorial prayers are said to
remember
those who were killed by the Nazis.
May 1, 2008 |
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Yom Kippur
The Day of Atonement – Fast day, beginning prior to sunset on
the previous day. Day-long synagogue services, with many special
prayers, including Kol Nidre.
October 9, 2008 |
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Yom Ha’Atzmaut
Israel Independence Day. As we are thankful for Israel’s
independence, we
carry with us the memory of those who helped make it possible.
May 8, 2008 |
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Sukkot
The Harvest Festival. We build sukkot, decorating them with
seasonal fruits
to show thanks and then celebrate by eating all meals in our
sukkah.
October 14 - 19, 2008 |
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Lag B’Omer
Break in the mourning period for the 24,000 students of Rabbi
Akiva. Only
day in 49-day period when weddings are permitted.
May 23, 2008 |
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Simchat Torah
Rejoicing of The Torah – Special celebration of closing of the
High
Holidays season.
October 22, 2008 |
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Shavuot
Moses receives the Torah – Celebrating G-d’s giving of the Torah
and Ten
Commandments to the Jews at Mt. Sinai.
June 9 - 10, 2008 |
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Chanukah
lasts for eight nights and commemorates a Jewish victory against
oppression. Read all about latkes, dreidels, maccabees, and
menorahs!
December 22 - 29, 2008 |
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