Jewish Holidays

Eight nights of lighting the menorah, the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the newly purified Temple. Sufganiyot, latkes, dreidel and songs as we publicize the miracle to the world.

The New Year for Trees. On the 15th of Shevat we eat fruits of the Land of Israel, say blessings over them and remember that a person is like a tree: rooted in faith and bearing good fruit.

The most joyful day of the year: we hear the Megillah of Esther, send food gifts (mishloach manot), give to the poor (matanot la'evyonim) and celebrate with a festive meal, in memory of the salvation of the Jews of Persia.

Pesach, Passover, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. For eight days we refrain from eating chametz (leaven) and celebrate the Seder with the Haggadah, matzah, maror and the four cups of wine.

Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. We study Torah all night (Tikkun Leil Shavuot) and eat dairy foods in memory of the manna.