Festivals

• What role do festivals play in Jewish life?

  They remember key events in Jewish history
• Why are festivals important for Jewish families and communities?

  They unite families and celebrate their faith
• Which festivals are considered the most important in Judaism?

  Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
• How does the observance of festivals vary among Jews?

  It varies by denomination and location
• What type of calendar do Jewish festivals follow?

  A lunar calendar
• What do joyful events during festivals signify for Jews?

  They signify God's intervention in history
• Where are festivals typically celebrated?

  At home and in the synagogue
• What is the significance of tradition in Jewish life?

  It is an important part of Jewish life
• How do Orthodox and Reform Jews differ in their festival observance?

  Orthodox Jews follow traditional practices, Reform adapt them
• What does Rosh Hashanah signify in the Jewish calendar?

  It is the head of the year
• What story does Rosh Hashanah commemorate?

  The story of creation
• How long do Orthodox Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah?

  Over two days
• What is the significance of the shofar during Rosh Hashanah?

  It is blown 100 times in the synagogue
• What does the Mishnah say about Rosh Hashanah?

  God writes down deeds and judges people
• What is the purpose of Yom Kippur?

  It is the Day of Atonement
• What is the holiest day of the year for Jews?

  Yom Kippur
• What do Jews seek on Yom Kippur?

  Forgiveness from others and God
• How long do many Jews fast on Yom Kippur?

  For 25 hours
• What color is often worn on Yom Kippur and why?

  White, as a symbol of purity
• What does Pesach commemorate?

  The night God 'passed over' Egypt
• What is chametz and what is done with it during Pesach?

  Food containing leaven is removed from the house
• How long does Pesach last for Orthodox Jews?

  Eight days
• What is the seder meal?

  The most important event during Pesach
• What does Shavuot celebrate?

  The giving of the Law on Mount Sinai
• How many days are there between Passover and Shavuot?

  49 days
• What do Jews traditionally do on Shavuot?

  Eat dairy food and study Torah
• What does Sukkot commemorate?

  The dwelling places during the wilderness years
• How long is Sukkot celebrated?

  For eight days
• What is the Feast of the Tabernacles?

  Another name for Sukkot
• What is a key aspect of hospitality during Sukkot?

  Offering hospitality to others
• What are the key features of Rosh Hashanah?

  • Head of the year
  • Remembers the story of creation
  • First of the 'Days of Awe'
  • Celebrated over two days by Orthodox Jews
  • Reflection on behavior before Yom Kippur
  • Shofar blown 100 times
• What are the key features of Yom Kippur?

  • Day of Atonement
  • Holiest day of the year
  • Seeking forgiveness from others and God
  • Fasting for 25 hours
  • Evening service for canceling promises
  • White worn as a symbol of purity
• What are the key features of Pesach?

  • Commemorates the night God 'passed over' Egypt
  • Chametz removed from the house
  • Lasts eight days for Orthodox, seven for Reform
  • Seder meal is the most important event
  • Symbolic order set in the Haggadah
• What are the key features of Shavuot?

  • Celebrates the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai
  • Marks the wheat harvest
  • 49 days between Passover and Shavuot
  • Extra Torah study is encouraged
  • Dairy foods eaten and synagogues decorated
• What are the key features of Sukkot?

  • Happens four days after Yom Kippur
  • Marks the end of summer and autumn harvest
  • Also called the Feast of the Tabernacles
  • Reminds of dwelling places in wilderness
  • Celebrated for eight days with hospitality
• What are the arguments for and against the importance of festivals in Judaism?

  For:

  • Rosh Hashanah specified in the Tenakh
  • Links to Jewish history

  Against:

  • Difficulty in celebrating all festivals
  • Many festivals not specified in the Torah