Jewish Life

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “Head of the Year,” and as its name indicates, it is the beginning of the Jewish year.

Yom Kippur commemorates the day that God forgave the Jewish people for the sin of the Golden Calf.

Ever since or ancestors the Sinai Desert, we remember God’s kindness and reaffirm our trust in His providence by dwelling in a sukkah.

At this time the last portion of the Torah is read, and since we never finish the Torah reading, we begin the reading from the very beginning.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for eight days, commencing on the 25th day of the month of Kislev, to commemorate the victory of our ancestors over the Hellenist Syrians in 165 BCE.

Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar -is the day that marks the beginning of a “New Year for Trees.”

The festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar, preceded by the fast of Easter 13th of Adar, (late winter/early spring).

The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan.

Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of God’s gift and God “re-gives” the Torah.

Key observances of the day include reading the Book of Lamentations. Modern additions have been made to include the Holocaust.