Holidays

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, a day of judgment and coronation of G‑d.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. It is a day of fasting and repentance, affording a person the opportunity to cleanse himself of his sins and renew his relationship with our Creator.

The seven days of Sukkot—celebrated by dwelling in the sukkah, taking the Four Kinds, and rejoicing—is the time we camp out under the stars seven days and remember that G-d is our ultimate protection.

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Following the seven joyous days of Sukkot, comes the happy holiday known as Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, when we dance with the Torah.

Chanukah

Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple after a group of Jewish warriors defeated the mighty Greek army and the miracle of a little oil that lasted eight days and continues to illuminate our lives to this day.

Asara B'Tevet

A fast day. On the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet, the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, setting in motion a long series of tragedies for the Jewish people.

Tu B'Shevat

The 15th of Shevat marks the New Year for the Trees. We celebrate our connection to the environment and appreciate the fruits of the Land of Israel.

Leap Year/Purim Katan

The Jewish "leap year", which occurs seven times in a 19-year cycle, has 13 months instead of the regular year's 12. The two months of Adar are Adar I and Adar II. Purim Katan is a semi-festive day on 14 Adar I, which corresponds to the date Purim is celebrated on during a leap year, 14 Adar II.

Purim

Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the wicked Haman in the days of Queen Esther of Persia.

Pesach

Passover (Pesach) celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.

Counting the Omer

A 49-day count between Passover and Shavuot, preparing for the day the Torah was given.

Lag B'Omer

Lag B'Omer is the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar, and the end of a pandemic that raged amongst the disciples of Rabbi Akiva.

Shavuot

Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. The Ten Commandments are read in synagogues, just as they were in the desert on Mt. Sinai over 3,300 years ago.

The Three Weeks & Tisha B'Av

The “Three Weeks” and Tisha B’Av are designated as a time of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temples and the exile.

Tu B'Av

Our sages proclaimed the 15th of Av as one of the two greatest festivals of the year, yet they ordained no special observances or celebrations for it.

Elul

The final month of the Jewish year is dedicated to introspection and repentance. Selichos, special prayers, and supplications are recited.