MOST IMPORTANT JEWISH HOLIDAYS

From holidays to days of festivities: Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions and holds a history full of rituals and celebrations that goes back thousands of years. Holidays are important in every religion, either you celebrate them with your family or friends playing Irish casino.

WHICH HOLIDAYS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year

Unlike in Christianity, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated in Judaism in late summer to autumn. It lasts for two days. On this holiday, which is also considered a day of judgment, people pray for the forgiveness of sins. The covenant between God and man is renewed and after the inner reflection the blessing is received.

Men spend the day at a New Year’s service that lasts up to five hours. The synagogue is festively decorated for Rosh Hashanah. White is the predominant color at the service: it is found in the curtain of the Torah closet and also in the clothing of the prayer leaders. This color scheme represents the purity sought. The rabbi blows the shofar during the service: the piercing sound of this ram’s horn is intended to remind the participants of their moral obligations.

Domestic rituals on the occasion of the New Year

In the afternoon, the so-called Tashlich custom is performed. By throwing small objects, such as bread crumbs or stones into the water, the sins of the holiday are symbolically washed away.

But there are customs that accompany Rosh Hashanah within the four walls of the home as well. As soon as the men return home from synagogue, a feast is served that the women prepared the night before. One component of this is the challa, a white bread dipped in honey. It represents the cycle of the year. Sweet wine is also served, which is a symbol of joy. Blessings for the tree fruits are said and apples are dipped in honey. This custom is meant to sweeten the year for the family.

Yom Kippur: the highest Jewish holiday

The holiest day in the Jewish calendar is Yom Kippur, or the “Day of Atonement.” It always takes place ten days after the Jewish New Year and commemorates the reconciliation between God and all people.

Fasting custom: The Jewish holiday Yom Kippur

Faithful Jews observe strict fasting rules on this holiday and are not allowed to eat or drink, work or wash. Sex, perfume, jewelry and leather shoes are also forbidden on this day.

Many Jews are in synagogue all day on Yom Kippur and attend services.