Jewish

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s “plot to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews”, as recorded in the book of Esther. It begins on the 14th of Adar, the Hebrew month. Who celebrates? Jewish people around the world. How do people celebrate? Observances on this day include… Read More »Purim

Passover or Pesach remembers the time the Jewish people left slavery behind them when they were led out of Egypt by Moses 3,000 years ago. It is one of the most important dates in the Jewish calendar. Who celebrates? Jewish people around the world. How do people celebrate? It is celebrated for 7-8 days by… Read More »Pesach (Passover)

Shavuot or the Festival of Weeks is a harvest festival when Jews give thanks for the first fruits of the year. Shavuot also marks the time when Moses received the Torah and the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai which is a highly important event in the Jewish calendar. Who celebrates? Jewish people around the world.… Read More »Shavuot

Rosh Hashanah (biblical name Yom Teruah) is the Jewish calendar’s New Year. It marks a 10 day period of reflection and repentance that concludes with Yom Kippur. Who celebrates? Jewish people around the world. How do people celebrate? Unlike western New Year celebrations, it is a time for reflection Customs include the sounding of a… Read More »Rosh Hashanah

Yom Kippur translates as the Day of Atonement and is the holiest date in the Jewish calendar. The central themes of Yom Kippur are atonement and repentance. It recognises the sin of the Jewish people by worshipping a golden calf, months after departing Egypt. Moses ascended Mount Sinai and prayed for forgiveness. Who celebrates? Jewish… Read More »Yom Kippur

At Sukkot, Jews remember the Israelites' 40 years of exile in the desert, living in makeshift dwellings, before they reached the promised land. Sukkot is also known as the ‘Feast of the Tabernacles’ or the ‘Feast of Booths’. Who celebrates? Jewish people around the world. How do people celebrate? For the duration of the festival… Read More »Sukkot

Hanukah is a Jewish festival also known as the festival of lights. According to Jewish tradition, in 164BC the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem from the occupying Greeks. When they came to rededicate the Temple, they had only enough sacred oil to light the menorah for one day but the candles miraculously stayed alight for eight days.… Read More »Hanukah