The Cycle of the Jewish Holidays
Judaism and ritual go hand in hand. From the lighting of Shabbat candles to the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, rituals connect us to our past while shaping our future. Judaism is steeped in ritual, allowing traditions to be passed from generation to generation, even as we create new expressions of meaning and connection. Our holidays, filled with rich customs—dipping apples in honey on Rosh Hashanah, lighting the Hanukkiah on Hanukkah, gathering around the Seder table on Passover—offer sacred moments of reflection, joy, and renewal. Rituals can be beautiful, profound, challenging, and ever-evolving—each one offering an opportunity for spiritual growth and communal belonging. As we say, "L’dor vador—From generation to generation" (Dor l’dor y’shabach ma’asecha—"One generation shall praise Your works to another," Psalm 145:4). Through ritual and holiday observance, we honor our ancestors, celebrate the present, and ensure a vibrant Jewish future.
High Holidays
An experiential time to reflect on the past, seek renewal, and embrace the sweetness of a new year through tradition, prayer, and community.
Sukkot
A joyful weeklong festival celebrating gratitude, commemorating the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, and marked by dwelling in a sukkah and waving the lulav and etrog.
Shemini Atzeret
Simchat Torah
Holidays marking the conclusion of Sukkot, featuring prayers for rain and the joyful celebration of completing and restarting the Torah cycle.
Hanukkah
An eight-day festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, marked by lighting the menorah, recalling the miracle of the oil, and emphasizing themes of religious freedom and perseverance.
Tu B'Shvat
The New Year for Trees, is a celebration of nature and renewal, marked by eating fruits of the Land of Israel and reflecting on environmental responsibility and spiritual growth.
Purim
A joyous celebration of Jewish survival and bravery, marked by reading the Megillah, wearing costumes, giving gifts of food, and emphasizing the triumph of good over evil.
Passover
An eight-day festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, marked by the Seder, eating matzah, and retelling the story of liberation and faith.
Yom HaShoah
A day dedicated to remembering the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, commemorating their lives, and honoring the survivors and their stories of resilience.
Yom HaZikaron &
Yom Ha'atzmautYom HaZikaron is Israel's Memorial Day, honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, followed by Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, celebrating the establishment of the State of Israel.
Shavuot
Originally an agricultural festival marking the end of the grain harvest, later became a commemoration of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, celebrated with Torah study, reading the Book of Ruth, and enjoying dairy foods.
