The High Holidays
Rosh Hashanah ראש השנה
Rosh Hashanah, literally Head of the Year, begins on the first day of the Month of Tishrei in Hebrew calendar. According to Jewish teachings, it marks the beginning of the civil year. Also, it is the traditional anniversary of the creation, the birthday of the World.
Yom Kippur יום כפור or יום הכיפורים
It occurs 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. This period is known as the Ten Days of Penitence, Days of Awe, Yamim Nora’im. The period of repentance and instrospection, the Ten Days of Teshuvah (returning). It culminates with Yom Kippur, an entire day set aside for thinking about our actions of the past year. It is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The Eve of Yom Kippur is called Kol Nidrei (the annulment of vows), the opportunity to reconcile with your neighbours, family, community, nation.
The high holiday also includes Sukkot, The Feast of Tabernacles, Shmini Atzeret, The Eight Day of Solemn Assembly and Simchat Torah (rejoicing in the Torah).
Sukkot סוכות
The Festival of Tabernacles or the Festival of Booths is a joyful celebration. Sukkot is a time to look back and be grateful for Adonay’s protection and provision. During the holiday of Sukkot we build a temporary outdoor hut, a Sukkah סוכה.
Shemini Atzeret שמיני עצרת
Following the 7 days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday Shmini Atzeret. In Israel and Reform Judaism is celebrated combined with Simchat Torah (שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה) into a single day. However, outside of Israel, the first day is known by its Biblical name, Shmini Atzeret. On this day, the memorial of the departed ones is said, Yizkor יִזְכּוֹר (Remember). And on the Se one day of Shmini Atzeret is Shimchat Torah (שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה)
Chanukah
Festival of Dedication/ Festival of Lights
This Winter festival celebrates a great Jewish military victory by the Maccabee army against the Hellenistic occupiers of the land of Israel around 150 B.C. It also celebrates a major miracle which was the recapture of the sacred oil in the temple in Jerusalem by the Jews. The holy oil was enough to light the candelabra for only one day, however, the candelabra burned for eight days.
Each day of Chanukah is a celebration of the greatness and growth of the miracle. Therefore on the first night, one light is lit and another one each successive night until the eighth night, when all the lights are lit.
The festival is a wonderfully joyful occasion for all the family.
(Contributed by Marcy Vasvary.)