Other Holidays and Fasts
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Hallel
What is Hallel? Why do we say Hallel? When do we say Hallel? Hallel is a group of Psalms, written by King David about 2500 years ago. The primary theme is that G-d controls the ups and downs of life.…
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Selichot
What are Selichot? Selichot are liturgical poems created especially for the High Holiday season and for the fast days on the Jewish calendar. They were written by medieval Rabbis to convey the spirit of seriousness that we should have at…
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Chanukah
What is Chanukah? Chanukah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the successful revolt of the Jews against the Syrians around 150 BCE, and their establishment of a Jewish kingdom in Palestine. The word means “dedication”, referring to the purification and…
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The Omer
What was the omer? How was it counted? The Omer was a measure of barley (see Ex.16:36) that was offered on the day after Passover (Lev.23:9-14). Seven weeks were then counted, starting on that day; the 50th day was then…
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The Fast of Gedaliah
What is the story of the Fast of Gedaliah? Gedaliah the son of Achikam was appointed by the Babylonian king to rule over the population that was left in Judea after the nobles and professionals were exiled. Because he was…