Category Archives: Uncategorized

Chanukah, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is, once again, shining on Jews the world over. An eight-day holiday, this year’s first candle was lit on Sunday, December 18, and will conclude on December 26. From the time we are children, we’re told about the miracle of Chanukah; how a small amount of oil–enough toContinue reading “WE LIGHT UP YOUR CHANUKAH”

The last two days of Sukkot are actually individul holidays–Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah–and are two of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar. They are considered major Yom Tovs (holidays), and the same laws as Shabbos apply (except for cooking from a pre-existing flame and carrying). Shemini Atzeret offers the prayer for rainContinue reading “COME DANCE WITH US”

TIME FOR SUKKOT The holiday of Sukkot literally translates to the “Festival of Booths.” It commemorates G-d’s protection as the Jews wandered the dessert for 40 years after leaving Egypt. For a week, Jews are supposed to dwell in Sukkahs (huts), eat their meals there and actually even sleep there. The first two days andContinue reading

The High Holy Days are once again upon us. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins a ten day period of personal introspection–culminating in Yom Kippur– and a longing to be better Jews (and people) than we were the year before. Hashem, the Almighty, opens the “Book of Life” and decides our fate. The ShofarContinue reading “SOUNDING OF THE SHOFAR”

The holiday of Shavuot commemorates the greatest event in the history of man–the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people! Every Jew alive–and every Jewish neshama (soul)–gathered at Mount Sinai and heard the Ten Commandments being read by Moses (though G-d Himself read the first two commandments out loud). All of Earth (humans andContinue reading “SHAVUOT: THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION”

The holiday of Passover is one of the most important on the Jewish calendar. The period marks the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, on their way to receiving the Torah and then settling in the land of Israel. It is incumbent on every Jew–an obligation–to attend at least one seder on Passover. At theContinue reading “PASSOVER SERVICES AND SEDERS”

Sundown, March 16, marks the beginning of one of the most joyous yom tovs (holidays) on the Jewish calendar. Purim commemorates the miraculous story of Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordechai, and their triumph in saving the Jewish people from extinction at the hands of the evil Haman. During the day, leading up to theContinue reading “PURIM JOY”

Chanukah, The Festival of Lights, begins this year on Sunday night, November 26. This joyous holiday commemorates the miracle of a small group of dedicated Jews–the Macabees–defeating the superhuman strength of the Greek army and reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they attempted to kindle the Menorah in the Temple, all they found wasContinue reading “CHANUKAH, OH CHANUKAH PARTY”

The last two days of Sukkot are distinct holidays in their own right. Shemini Atzeret (The Eighth Day of Assembly) is the last day we eat in the Sukkah. On Simchat Torah, we finish the last Parshah (chapter) of the Torah and begin reading again from the beginning. Both days are considered most joyous inContinue reading “SHEMINI ATZERET & SIMCHAT TORAH”

Beginning Monday evening, September 20, Jews usher in the holiday of Sukkot (Festival of Booths). It marks a most joyous time of year, culminating in the holiday of Simchat Torah (September 29). Sukkot celebrates the 40 years of Jews wandering in the desert, and being protected by G-d, dwelling in tents during the Exodus. We’reContinue reading “THE JOY OF SUKKOT”