The Calendar and Holidays (incl. Sabbath)
- Chanukah
- Other Holidays and Fasts
- Passover
- Purim
- Rosh HaShanah
- Shavuos
- Sukkos
- The Jewish Calendar
- The Sabbath
- Yom Kippur
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Ecclesiastes
When is Ecclesiastes recited? Ecclesiastes is read on the day of the Sukkot holiday that coincides with Shabbat (the Sabbath). If the first day of Sukkot is Shabbat it is read the following Shabbat. Not all synagogues have this custom.
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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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When the Holidays Began
I was wondering how old the holiday of Passover is. I have heard it is the oldest holiday but i was thinking Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur started first. Can you give me an answer when all theses holiday’s started?…
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Simchas Torah
Is Simchas Torah “the rejoicing of the law”? Where does this come from? Simchas Torah is indeed “rejoicing with the law.” It’s the holiday that takes place (in the Diaspora) on the day after Shmini Atzeres. Shmini Atzeres takes place…
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The Essence of Yom Kippur
I noticed that the word repentance never shows up in the text when addressing Yom Kippur. There are numerous times when it is noted that “atonement” will come but there seems to be no mention of repentance. Have I missed…
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Shmini Atzeret
We all know about Sukkot and Simchat Torah But what exactly is Shmini Atzeret all about? I know we pray for rain but what is the significance of the day? Hi, Thanks for this great question. This is actually a…
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Shabbos Candle Lighting
Could you please kindly send me the proper recital for the woman lighting the candles ~ in hebrew and an English translation please if possible. Also please describe briefly the movements by the women ~ ie bringing the light/energy to…
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Nuts on Rosh Hashana
What is the custom about not eating nuts on Rosh Hashana? Is it just Rosh Hashana? No Nuts until Yom Kippur because the Hebrew word for nut is “egoz”, which has the Gematria* of “chayt” – “sin”. This serves as…
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“Our Father, Our King” Prayer on Shabbat
Why do we NOT say Avinu Malkeinu (“Our Father, Our King”) prayer on Shabatt and why is Shabat Yom Kippur the exception to this rule? We do not say Avinu Malkeinu on Shabbat, because most of the prayer is asking…