1. Jewish Holidays and Traditions

2. Hanukkah Celebrated (usually) in December Lasts for 8 days
Honors the rededication of the Second Temple
Lasts for 8 days
Represents the miracle of the lamp oil lasting beyond the one-day supply
8-candled menorah is a symbol of the holiday

3. Passover Usually celebrated in March and April
Remembrance of the Exodus
Eat unleavened (flat ) bread to remember the quick exit from Egypt
Ritual meal called Seder when people reflect on the events of the Exodus as told in the Torah

4. High Holy Days Two most sacred days:
Rosh Hashanah – celebrated in September, Jewish New Year
Yom Kippur – celebrated in October, Day of Forgiveness
Jews ask for forgiveness from God, friends, family for wrong-doing
A day of fasting to honor the holiness of the day
Perform ceremonies that date back to the Second Temple

5. A collection of the 5 books of Jewish law
The Torah
A collection of the 5 books of Jewish law
Also a history of the Jews until the death of Moses
Considered to be the most sacred text of Judaism
During Synagogue (church), Rabbi’s read from the Torah

6. Hebrew Bible (The Tanakh)
Made up of 3 parts:
The Torah
8 books that describe the message of the prophets (Nevi’im)
11 books of poetry, songs, stories, lessons, history, and proverbs (Ketuvim)
Moral stories that show how faith has helped people
Proverbs are short expressions of wisdom
Songs are Psalms – poems to praise God.
Hebrew Bible (The Tanakh)

7. Summary!
What are the main holidays in the Jewish religion and why are they celebrated? What purpose do the Jewish holy books serve?