A Guide to the Jewish Holidays

Special thanks to jHUB of Cleveland for their help in producing these guides – www.jhubcle.org

SHABBAT

One of the most important Jewish holidays happens every single week: the day of rest. This biblical tradition offers us the gift of taking a break starting Friday at sundown.

ROSH HASHANA

Rosh Hashanah (literally “Head of the Year” in Hebrew) is the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days.

YOM KIPPUR

Yom Kippur is the “Day of Atonement” and the holiest day of the Jewish Year. Many people fast for the duration of the holiday.

SUKKOT

This harvest festival is all about not taking things for granted, and it’s a time to give thanks—particularly for food and shelter.

HANUKKAH

Hanukkah, which means “dedication,” is a beloved winter festival celebrating both a military victory and a miracle. Its eight days are filled with menorahs, dreidels and fried foods.

TU B'SHVAT

Called the “Birthday,” “New Year of the Trees” and “Jewish Earth Day,” this holiday is a time to connect traditional Jewish values of taking care of the Earth with modern environmental values.

PURIM

Purim is a lively holiday that is full of costumes, pageants and traditional cookies called “hamantaschen.” It’s especially kid-friendly, and revolves around a central story that features an interfaith marriage.

PASSOVER

During Passover, families and loved ones join around a seder table and retell the story of Exodus, a story of freedom. This holiday lasts seven or eight days depending on preference and location.

SHAVUOT

Shavuot brings together two different celebrations: the significant moment in Jewish religious history when Moses received the Torah on Mount Sinai and the summer harvest.

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