JEWISH HOLIDAYS

Jewish holidays begin at sundown the evening before the date listed

CHANUKAH Chanukah — Hebrew for “dedication” — commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle of Chanukah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to illuminate the Temple lamp for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days, which we celebrate with the lighting of a chanukiah. 25 Kislev-2 Tevet November 28 – December 6, 2021

TU B’SHVAT Biblical in origin, this holiday has environmental and Zionistic themes that celebrate springtime renewal and growth. Traditions include eating fruit and planting trees. 15 Shevat January 17, 2022

PURIM A joyous celebration that commemorates the rescue of the Jews by Queen Esther of Persia and her uncle, Mordechai, from the evil Haman. The Book of Esther is read. Traditions include costume parties, mishloach manot (baskets filled with food), and eating hamentashen. Some also fast on the day before Purim to remember the fast by the Jews of Persia at Esther’s request. 14 Adar March 17, 2022 PASSOVER (PESACH) An eight-day holiday celebrating the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. At the seder, the Haggadah is read and symbolic foods are eaten. Jews refrain from eating leavened products to remember how the Israelites hadn’t the time to let their bread rise before fleeing. 15-22 Nisan April 16 – 23, 2022 (first seder, April 15)

YOM HASHOAH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY Day chosen by the Israeli Knesset to mourn the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. Often commemorated with the reading of names of victim and testimonials by survivors. In Israel, the blast of a siren signals a collective minute of silence in memory of those lost. 27 Nisan April 28, 2022

YOM HAZIKARON ISRAEL MEMORIAL DAY A day to remember those who sacrificed their lives defending the State of Israel, as well as those killed in terrorist attacks. The sound of a siren brings the entire nation to a two-minute standstill during which all traffic and activities come to a halt. 4 Iyar May 4, 2022

YOM HA’ATZMAUT ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY On May 14, 1948 Israel was declared an independent state. Jews the world over celebrate with parades and festivals. 5 Iyar May 5, 2022 LAG B’OMER The 33rd day of the Omer commemorates the break in the deaths of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who were killed during the second century. 18 Iyar May 19, 2022

YOM YERUSHALAYIM (JERUSALEM DAY) A day that celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War. 28 Iyar May 29, 2022

SHAVUOT Commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, as well as the spring harvest. The Book of Ruth is read. It is traditional to eat dairy products and fill one’s house with flowers. 6-7 Sivan June 5-6, 2022

FAST OF TAMMUZ Dawn-to-dusk fast that marks the start of a three-week mourning period (ending on Tisha B’Av) for the destruction of Jerusalem and the two Holy Temples, as well as several other tragic events in Jewish history that occurred on this date. It also marks the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem which culminated in the city’s destruction. 17 Tammuz July 17, 2022

TISHA B’AV Day of fasting and mourning commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The Book of Lamentations is read. 9 Av August 7, 2022

ROSH HASHANAH (THE JEWISH NEW YEAR) The Ten Days of Repentance begins on Rosh Hashanah and culminates on Yom Kippur. 1-2 Tishrei September 26-27, 2022

YOM KIPPUR Holiest day of the Jewish year. Through fasting and prayer, Jews reflect upon their relationship with God and other people and atone for their sins. The fast ends with the blast of the shofar. 10 Tishrei October 5, 2022

SUKKOT Commemorates the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering. Many build a sukkah, which resemble the huts constructed in the desert. Also celebrated with the blessing on the lulav and etrog. 15-21 Tishrei October 10-16, 2022

SHEMINI ATZERET Celebrated the day after Sukkot and thus sometimes considered an extension of the holiday. Marks the first time Tefillat Geshem (prayer for rain) is recited; a practice that continues until Pesach. 22 Tishrei October 17, 2022

SIMCHAT TORAH Celebrates the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. After finishing the last sentence of the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy), congregants joyously parade the Torah around the synagogue seven times. The new cycle begins immediately with a reading from Beresheit (Genesis). 23 Tishrei October 18, 2022