Jewish Calendar

ROSH HASHANAH is the Jewish New Year. Its liturgy
reflects self-examination, punctuated by the harkening
call of the ram’s horn (shofar) blown during services.
Apples and honey are eaten to wish celebrants sweetness
and fulfillment in the coming year.

YOM KIPPUR is Hebrew for “Day of Atonement,” and
is observed with fasting and prayer. (Those who are ill
are exempt from fasting.)

SUKKOT (pronounced “soo-coat”) means “booths,”
referring to the desert huts in which the Israelites
dwelled after the Exodus from slavery in Egypt.
Agricultural symbols are used ritually throughout this
eight-day holiday.

SIMCHAT TORAH (pronounced “sim-khat torah”)
joyfully celebrates the completion of the year-long
Torah-reading (Old Testament) cycle and the end of
the Jewish Fall Holidays.

CHANUKAH commemorates the military and religious
miracles of a second century BCE Jewish community in
Jerusalem. Rituals include lighting an eight-branched
candelabra (called a menorah) eating oil-fried foods and
playing a game called dreydel.

PURIM (pronounced “poo-rim”) celebrates the strength
of a fifth century BCE Jewish community facing destruction.
Holiday customs include dressing in costume,
reading from the Book of Esther and eating triangular
pastries called hamantashen.

PASSOVER recalls the Israelite’s redemption from
slavery in Egypt. It is marked with ceremonial meals
and by refraining from eating leavened foods. (Those
who are ill are exempt from this observance.)

SHAVUOT (pronounced “shah-voo-oat”) means
“weeks,” as the holiday falls seven weeks after Passover.
Dairy products are eaten to symbolize the nourishment
received when—traditional tells us— God gave the
Torah (Old Testament) on this day.