Analysis Of Judaism Holidays

Judaism holidays begin a very vital and meaningful time for Jewish people. These holidays have a special aspect to them that may represent many different things such as celebrating themselves, others, old times, traditions that their ancestors had, expand and help facilitate and symbolize their culture and much more. There are many Jewish holidays that hold several of significance within the Jewish community.

There are four major Jewish holidays consisting of Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah. Passover is eight days starting April 8th ending until April 16th. “Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt and their ultimate exodus to freedom” (Passover). Jewish people usually celebrate Passover similarly to each other. A few days before Passover they clean their homes and get rid of any Leaven food. During Passover Jews also don’t eat Leaven food and drinks. Meaning anything with grain products.

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish New Year which means that it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. This lasts two days starting the sundown of September 18th, ending

the nightfall on September 20th. During these two days, there are many things that are happening such as tasty meals, prayer services, candle lightings, and more.

Yom Kippur is “considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith”(History). During this holiday from sundown to the evening the next day, adults have to not drink or eat. “This fast is believed to cleanse the body and spirit, not to serve as a punishment” (History). During Yom Kippur families and friends meet before sunset for a feast. The meal can have foods such as noodle pudding, baked goods, and blintzes. Lots of people during Yom Kippur wear white symbolizing purity.

Hanukkah starts December 10th and ends December 18th making it the last eight days. “Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods (Chabad). Each and every night the Jews light a new candle on the menorah. During Hanukkah Jews eat food fried in oil. People also play the game dreidel usually for a pot of food, or coins.

Minor holidays are also very important to the Jewish community and expand people’s beliefs and knowledge. They also are another way to show your way of culture. A few of the minor Jewish holidays consist of Purim, Tu Bishvat, and Shushan. Purim is from the evening of March 9th through the evening of March 10. Purim is said to be the “Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction” (Hebcal). Purim is a festival that happens every year. During these days food people eat is a food called “hamantaschen” that is a special pastry”

(Chabad). During this holiday people dress up in costumes reflecting characters from the Purim story (Toriavey).

Tu Bishvat is another minor holiday beginning on the evening of January 27th and ends January 28. This holiday is also called “New Year of the Trees” (reform Judaism). Tu Bishvat is a festival “marking the emergence of Spring” (ReformJudaism). This holiday is not celebrated any longer after the second temple fell. When it was in practice Jews would drink four cups of wine to celebrate (Toriavey).

Shushan Purim is another Jewish minor holiday that begins the evening of March 9th and ends the evening of March 10th. “The celebration of Shushan Purim is the celebration of Purim a day later in the city of Jerusalem”(Shiva). This is a festival that celebrates survival even through the worst circumstances.

The Jewish calendar system is much different than the US calendar. Jewish holidays occur on the same day every single year. The Jewish calendar has a different number of days than the US one because the US goes off of the son’s cycles while the Jewish one goes off of the moon’s cycles, because of this the Jewish calendar loses 11 days but makes it up by adding another month about every two to three years (Rich).

Judaism funerals show the peoples sadness and allow them to mourn their loss of family or friends. The location of these funerals can take place in multiple different locations with some including graveside, synagogue, funeral home, and more. If it is available and reachable the burial should try to take place within twenty four hours but if that is not possible than as soon as

you can. “Jewish funerals cannot take place on Shabbat or on most Jewish holidays” (Black). It is in Jewish tradition that when the loved one is buried they should be buried in a very simple casket that is also biodegradable. These Jewish traditions will make sure that the loved one is safe and protected very nicely and can let their friends and family come and mourn their death (Black).

Judaism child births are a bit different than what you might know. When a child is birthed by their mother and their mom is a Jew then that baby is also considered a Jew (BBC). It is also said that when a child is born they are free of all and every sin no matter who their family is or what his or her parents have gone through or what their past was. This tradition is being lessly used but before the baby is born people traditionally do not throw or get baby showers and also don’t “purchase things for the baby or discuss baby names until the baby is born” (Rich). Doing this is said to bring luck and wellness to the baby.

Jewish holidays are very meaningful for the Jewish tradition. Some people take the holidays very seriously and do every tradition that is out there and start celebrating days, weeks, or months before the actual holiday but others just celebrate a little bit and do one or a few traditions. Even if you celebrate a little or very excessively it is still celebrating and still showing your love for being a Jew and is showing your love for the Jewish culture and tradition. Holidays are a way to express your love for the culture and to come together with your friends and family for a good celebratory time.