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The year is rich with Jewish holidays. Beginning with the new year of Rosh Hashanna on Tishrei 1, ten days later Yom Kippur the day of atonement is upon us. On both holidays, we blow the shofar ram's horn as per biblical commandment. Many wear white garb "kittel" and special Prayer books are used.
Only five days later, on the 15th of
Tishrei we celebrate Succot, the
holiday that commemorates the
dwelling of the Jews in the desert.
Jews reenact living in huts. We
shake a Lulav and Etrog - in total 4
species each representing the
harvest and the many facets of
Judaism.
Two months later Chanukah begins
celebrating the miraculous defeat of
the Greeks by the Hashmonaim family.
A menorah is lit adding one candle
each day for eight days. Children
play with dreidels, and the table is
set with Chanukah dishes and party
ware.
Three months later in Adar, we
celebrate Purim, commemorating the
salvation of the Jews over the
Persian empire. We read the Megillah
scroll of Esther, we send purim
boxes to family and friends.
A month later in Nissan, the
festival of Passover is celebrated
commemorating the exodus of Egypt.
The performance of the "Seder"
requires eating Matza and bitter
herbs presented on a Passover Plate.
Children recite the four questions
from the Haggadah and the story of
the Exodus is recounted.
Three months later we celebrate
Shavuoth in Sivan. This is the
commemoration of the receiving of
the Torah on mount Sinai. A joyous
ocassion where children and adults
dance around the Torah. |