(MOST OF) THE

Major holidays begin at sundown on the first date specified and end at nightfall on the last date specified.

SHABBAT—(Every Friday sundown to Saturday twilight) (“Lots” or “Dice”) The day of rest and weekly observance of God’s completion A day celebrating the saving of the from a evil plot of of creation and celebration of freedom from slavery in Egypt. destruction, as recounted in the Book of Esther. The Jewish Most observant Jews light two candles Friday equivalent of : costumes, spoofs and satire, and and have a special meal with family and friends with blessings exchanges of food throughout the community. Work is over wine and , a sweet braided bread. Some Jews permitted. observe total prohibition on work, including transportation, technology, cooking, or writing. (Hebrew “Pesach”) A of freedom that marks the Hebrew exodus from (“Head of the Year”) Egypt. Eight days long; work is prohibited during the first two The Jewish —a observed with festive meals and last two days. Strict prohibition on any leavened food and a day spent in prayer or quiet meditation. Symbolic (“”); instead, Jews eat unleavened bread (“matzah”) foods include a round challah for the cycle of the year and in memory of the speed with which the Israelites fled Egypt, apples in honey for a sweet new year. Two days long. Work is with no time for dough to rise. prohibited. HASHOAH (Holocaust ) (“Day of Forgiveness”) The day Jews mourn the loss of 6 million Jewish lives during The Jewish Day of Atonement—the most solemn day of the the Holocaust in Europe from 1939-1945. Jewish year. A day devoted to self–examination, and the chance to begin the New Year with a clean slate. Those able YOM HAZIKARON (Israeli Memorial Day) to fast do so for 25 hours from sundown to twilight. A day commemorating the soldiers who have fallen fighting for the State of ’s independence and defending its (“Huts” or “Booths”) security. A week-long celebration of the fall harvest, this holiday also commemorates the time when the Hebrews dwelt in the YOM HAATZMA’UT (Israeli Independence Day) Sinai wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. Work is This holiday celebrates the independence of the modern state prohibited for the first two days. Traditionally, meals are eaten of Israel, which was declared on May 14, 1948. in fragile huts. LAG BA’OMER ATZERET The holiday that marks the 33rd day of the 49-day “Omer” Literally the “8th day of assembly,” this holiday marks the end period between Passover and . A day of good luck of Sukkot with an annual prayer for rain. Work is prohibited. and blessing. Work is permitted unless during Shabbat.

SIMCHAT (“Joy of the Torah”) SHAVUOT (“weeks”) The day marking the end and the beginning of the annual The celebration of the giving of the Torah to the Jewish cycle. Festive dancing with the Torah scrolls. No people, also known as the Festival of First Fruits. Observed work. one day in Israel, two days in the rest of the world, therefore work is not allowed. (“Dedication”) A festival celebrating liberation from oppression, freedom TISHA B’ (“Ninth Day of Av”) of worship, and finding light in the darkest of times. Work is An important fast day commemorating the destruction of permitted; the main rituals are lighting an additional candle Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, and the in the Chanukah menorah every one of the eight nights by the Romans in 70 CE (AD). and reciting special of praise and Biblical verses at morning prayers. TU B’AV (“Fifteenth Day of Av”) A Jewish celebration of love. TU B’ (“15th of Shevat”) The Jewish “New Year of the Trees,” celebrated with observances that connect us to our environment and the natural world. Celebrated with a mystical observance called “Seder Tu B’Shevat,” a special meal patterned on the Passover meal with fruits and nuts.

This document was produced with the help of Mass General Hospital Rabbi Ben Lanckton.