Becoming Jewish - Jewish Holidays

NOTE: The holiday begins at sundown the night before the date listed (except for day fasts)

Secular Dates: (5768) Dec 19, 2007 | (5769) Jan 6, 2009 | (5770) Dec 27, 2009 | (5771) Dec 17, 2010

Summary: Asarah B'Tevet is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 10 Tevet (in December or January) and is celebrated as a day-fast. It is a day of grief and mourning over the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the Temple. It has become a day of mourning for those lost in the Shoah (Holocaust). It is a time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.

Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sundown. This is one of the public fast days (the others being Tzom Gedaliah, Shiva Asarah B'Tammuz, and the Fast of Esther). If Asarah B'Tevet falls on Shabbat, the fast is delayed. Eating and drinking are not permitted. Those in ill health, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are exempt from the fast. In Israel, Kaddish (prayer for the dead) is said for those whose date or place of death is not known (and this, is a day of mourning for those lost in the Shoah).

Secular Dates: (5768) Dec 5-12, 2007 | (5769) Dec 22-29, 2008 | (5770) Dec 12-19, 2009 | (5771) Dec 2-9, 2010

Summary: Chanukah, the festival of lights, is a Rabbinic clebration that begins on 25 Kislev (in November or December). Chanukah celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ defeat of the Greek army as well as the Jew’s freedom in the current time. Chanukah is not mentioned in the Hebrew Scripture but is related in the book of Maccabbees, which Jews do not accept as scripture. The only religious observance related to the holiday is the lighting of candles. The candles are arranged in a chanukiah that holds nine candles: one for each night, plus a shamus (servant) at a different height. It is traditional to eat fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes), on Chanukah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Gift-giving is not a traditional part of the holiday, but has been added in places where Jews have a lot of contact with Christians, as a way of dealing with our children's jealousy of their Christian friends. It is extremely unusual for Jews to give Chanukah gifts to anyone other than their own young children. The only traditional gift of the holiday is gelt, small amounts of money (often chocolate coins). Another tradition of the holiday is playing dreidel, a gambling game played with a square top. Most people play for matchsticks, pennies, M&Ms or gelt.

Chanukah candles are placed in the chanukiah from right to left. On each night, the left-most (newest) candle is lit first. On Shabbos, the Chanukah candles are lit before the Shabbos candles. The chanukiah should be placed outside the door opposite the mezuzah or in a window in order to proclaim the miracle of Chanukah which demonstrated the omnipotence of G-d. The candles are lit before the blessings are read.

Secular Dates: (5768) Aug 2-30, 2008 | (5769) July 22-Aug 20, 2009 | (5770) July 12-Aug 10, 2010 | (5771) Aug 1-30, 2011

Summary: Chodesh Av occurs during Av (in July and August). The month of Av is a month of tragedies for the Jewish people.

Some of the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people during the month of Av include:
The spies spoke evil of Eretz Yisrael
The Destruction of the First Temple and the Second Temple
Massacre of Jews by the Romans and Betar
The Jews were expelled from Spain
The killings at Treblinka began

Secular Dates: (5768) Apr 6-May 5, 2008 | (5769) Mar 26-Apr 24, 2009 | (5770) Mar 16-Apr 14, 2010 | (5771) Apr 5-May 4, 2011

Summary: Chodesh Nisan (occurs in March or April). It is called the first month because it is the month of the Exodus from Egypt.

The first commandment given from G-d to the Jewish people was to establish the First Month. The first day (Rosh Chodesh) of the First Month was chosen by G-d to inaugrate the Mishkan (the temproray Temple used in the desert and Eretz Yisrael before the First Temple).

Eight sections of Torah were taught to the Jewish people by G-d through Moses.
Priestly Section
Section for the Tribe of Levi
Section for the Ritually Impure
Section defining the camps
Section which describes the death of Aaron's two eldest sons
Section forbidding a Priest to enter the Mishkan while under the influence of wine or other intoxicants
Section describing the Priestly responsibilities
Section regarding the Red Heifer

Secular Dates: (5768) June 4-July 3, 2008 | (5769) May 24-June 22, 2009 | (5770) May 14-June 12, 2010 | (5771) June 3-July 2, 2011

Summary: Chodesh Sivan occurs during Sivan (in May and June). During the month of Sivan, the Jews were given the Torah by G-d through Moses at Mount Sinai.

Secular Dates: (5768) July 4-Aug 1, 2008 | (5769) June 23-July 21, 2009 | (5770) June 13-July 11, 2010 | (5771) July 3-July 31, 2011

Summary: Chodesh Tammuz occurs during Tammuz (in June and July). It is during this month that a great deal of tragedies began that led to even greater tragedies.

Some of the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people during the month of Tammuz include:
Moses smashed the Tablets
The walls of Jersualem were breached by the Romans.

Secular Dates: (5768) Oct 3, 2007 | (5769) Oct 20, 2008 | (5770) Oct 9, 2009 | (5771) Sept 29, 2010

Summary: Hoshanah Rabbah occurs on the seventh day of Sukkot (21 Tishri-in September or October). Seven circuits are made around the bimah while carrying The Four Species. For this reason, the seventh day of Sukkot is known as Hoshanah Rabbah (the great Hoshanah). It is celebrated by the beating of the aravah, prayer, and marching around the bimah.

Secular Dates: (5768) May 23, 2008 | (5769) May 12, 2009 | (5770) May 2, 2010 | (5771) May 22, 2011

Summary: Lag B'Omer is the thirty-third day in the counting of the Omer and occurs on 18 Iyar (in April or May). The mourning practices of the Omer period are lifted on that date. It is celebrated by family gatherings, picnics, and the celebration of Yahrtzeit at the graves of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Elazar b’Rabbi Shimon.

Secular Dates: (5768) Apr 20-27, 2008 | (5769) Apr 9-16, 2009 | (5770) Mar 30-Apr 6, 2010 | (5771) Apr 19-26, 2011

Work: First, second, seventh, and eighth days (outside Israel), first and eighth days (inside Israel)

Summary: Pesach (Passover) is a Biblical festival that begins on 15 Nisan (in March or April). Pesach is an eight-day holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt and our freedom from oppression in modern days. The holiday is also referred to as Chag he-Aviv (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzoth (the Time of Our Freedom). It is the first of the three pilgrimage festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavuot and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel. The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery. This story is told in Exodus, Chapters 1-15. Many of the Pesach observances are instituted in Chapters 12-15. Probably the most significant observance related to Pesach involves the removal of leaven/chametz (the five major grains-wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) from our homes. Ashkenazi Jews also avoid kitniyot (rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes-beans) as if they were chametz. We may not own, benefit from, or eat chametz during Pesach (this includes food for the animals). All chametz, including utensils and other kitchen accessories used to cook chametz, must either be disposed of or sold to a non-Jew (they can be repurchased after the holiday). This commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. The process of cleaning the home of all chametz in preparation for Pesach is an enormous task. To do it right, you must prepare for several weeks and spend several days scrubbing everything down, going over the edges of your stove and fridge with a toothpick and a Q-Tip, covering all surfaces that come in contact with foil or shelf-liner, etc. After the cleaning is completed, the morning before the seder, a formal search of the house for chametz is undertaken, and any remaining chametz is burned. The grain product we eat during Pesach is called matzah which is unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight from Egypt. The day before Pesach is the Fast of the Firstborn, a minor for all firstborn males, commemorating the fact that the firstborn Jewish males in Egypt were not killed during the final plague. It is traditional to study a tractate of Talmud during the night which then allows these men to avoid the fast (one must celebrate when finishing a tractate of Talmud). On the first night of Pesach (first two nights for Jews outside Israel), a seder is held. Pesach lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday (first two and last two outside of Israel) are days on which no work is permitted. Work is permitted on the intermediate days (Chol Ha-Mo'ed).

Order of the Seder:
Kaddesh - Recite the Kiddush
Urechatz - Wash the hands before eating karpas
Karpas - Eat a vegetable dipped in salt water
Yachatz - Break the middle matzah and put away the larger half for the afikoman
Maggid - Narrate the story of the Exodus
Rachtzah - Wash the hands prior to the meal
Motzi - Recite hamotzi (over matzah)
Matzah - Recite the blessing over the matzah
Maror - Recite the blessing for the eating of the maror
Korech - Eat the sandwich of matzah and maror
Shulchan Orech - Prepare the table for the festive meal
Tzafun - Eat the afikoman that had been hidden during the seder
Barech - Recite the Birchat HaMazon
Hallel - Recite the Hallel (Psalms of Praise)
Nirtzah - Pray that G-d accepts our observance and speedily send the Moshiach

During the Pesach Seder there are questions asked by four sons. The sons are symbols of four types of Jews.

The wise son asks, "What are the testimonies, statutes, and laws that Hashem, our G-d has commanded you?" Like this son, the wise Jew seeks knowledge. Daily study of Torah is a mitzvot. Jews not only study themselves but also assist other Jews by teaching them Torah.

The wicked son asks, "What does this service mean to you?" Like this son, the wicked Jew seeks to separate him/herself from Klal Yisrael. Jews are commanded to be their "brothers' keepers" and not separate themselves from the community of Jews. Jews must not only remain with Klal Yisrael but also assist others to remain or return to the community of Jews.

The simple son asks, "What does this mean?" Like this son, the uneducated Jew knows not of Torah. Jews are commanded to study Torah daily and to teach Torah to their children. Jews must ensure that their children are taught Torah and also assist their fellow Jews in learning Torah.

The silent son asks nothing. Like this son, the silent Jew neither asks nor teaches. Jews must not allow fellow Jews to remain silent. Jews must seek out those who do not know what to ask and teach them.

Secular Dates: (5768) Mar 21, 2008 | (5769) Mar 10, 2009 | (5770) Feb 28, 2010 | (5771) Mar 20, 2011

Summary: Purim (which means lots) is a Rabbinic celebration that occurs on 14 Adar (in February or March). Purim is one-day holiday that celebrates the victory of Esther and Mordechai over the evil Haman who plotted to kill the Jews as described in the Book of Esther. The primary mitzvot of Purim is to hear the reading of the Megillah 3 (Book of Esther). It is customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle gragers (noisemakers; see illustration) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned in the service. The purpose of this custom is to blot out the name of Haman. We are also commanded to eat, drink and be merry. According to the Talmud, a person is required to drink until he cannot tell the difference between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordecai. In addition, we are commanded to send out gifts of food or drink, and to make gifts to charity. The sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (sending out portions). Among Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is hamentaschen (Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are supposed to represent Haman's three-cornered hat. It is customary to hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim and to perform plays and parodies.

Queen Esther and her Uncle Mordechai are true Jewish heroes. Neither gave up in the face of oppression and the plan of Haman to have every Jew murdered. We Jews need to never forget our oppression at the hands of others but neither must we forget our deliverance and courage in the face of that oppression.

Purim is a celebration of freedom from oppression and victory in the face of defeat. As the terrorists in the Middle East continue their reign of terror we must never forget that we are a strong people and we can overcome mountainous obstacles. Esther and Mordechai used their faith in G-d, their own intelligence and wit, and their faith in their fellow Jews to overcome Haman's disastrous plan of mass murder. We must use these strengths again to defeat the terrorists who are continuing their mass murder in Israel. We can overcome these murderous actions and defeat the terrorists!

Summary: Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the New Moon, occurs on the first (and sometimes the second) day of each month. In ancient times, two witnesses would appear before the Sanhedrin stating they saw the first sliver of the moon after the dark of the moon. If the Sanhedrin determined that it was in fact true, messengers were sent out throughout the land to announce the new month. The day after the moon appeared became a day of celebration and special sacrifices. Since the destruction of the Holy Temple, the sacrifices stopped and are now replaced by prayers. It remains a custom in some communities for women to refrain from work on Rosh Chodesh, as a reward for their refusal to participate in the incident of the Golden Calf.

Secular Dates: (5768) Sept 13-14, 2007 | (5769) Sept 30-Oct 1, 2008 | (5770) Sept 19-20, 2009 | (5771) Sept 9-10, 2010

Summary: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year (literally "head of the year"), is a Biblical holiday that occurs on the first and second of Tishri (September or October). Rosh Hashanah is the day that G-d created man. Rosh Hashanah is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue. where the regular daily prayers are expanded. There is a special prayer book called the Machzor used for Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d's sovereignty. Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river (generally this means casting bread into the water), symbolically casting off our sins. The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

Candles are lit and blessings are said on the first night and the second night in order to help usher in the Holy Day. Kiddush (blessing over wine/grape juice) is said as well as the blessing over the challah (braided bread). Slices of the challah and apple slices are dipped in honey, representing sweetness and hope for the new year.

Blessings
[light candles]
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the Holy Day light.

[Shehehayanu]
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

[Kiddush]
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has chosen and distinguished us from among all others by adding holiness to our lives with His mitzvot. Lovingly have You given us the gift of this Day of Remembrance, a day of the shofar sound, a day of sacred assembly recalling the Exodus from Egypt. Thus You have chosen us, endowing us with holiness from among all peoples. Your faithful word endures forever. Blessed are You, Hashem, King of the universe who hallows the people Israel and the Day of Remembrance.

[ritual washing of hands]
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe Whose mitzvot add holiness to our lives and Who gave us the mitzvah of washing hands.

[blessing over challah]
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe Who brings forth bread from the earth.

[blessing over challah/apple dipped in honey]
May it be Your will, Hashem, our G-d and G-d of our ancestors, to renew this year for us with sewwtness and happiness.

Selichot is the first service of Rosh Hashanah that takes place the Saturday before Rosh Hashanah. Prayers and requests for forgiveness, said throughout the Ten Days of Awe, are heard for the first time. This service usually takes place at or near midnight.

Services are held during both days of Rosh Hashanah. A special siddur (prayerbook), called the Machzor, is used during these services. Special prayers and pleas for forgiveness are recited in addition to the regular weekday and Shabbos prayers. The shofar (typically a ram's horn) is sounded during the services (except on Shabbos).

Tashlich, a special service, is typically held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. This service is meant to represent a casting away of sins. The community gathers are a body of water (typically a stream or creek) containing fish where people empty their pockets of crumbs and recite blessings.

Guilt can be defined as being remorseful and regretting trespasses that one has committed. Guilt is a gift to mankind from G-d. Guilt permits mankind to live together in harmony. Guilt permits mankind to treat one another as one would want to be treated. As the great sage Hillel said, "What is hateful unto you, don't do unto your neighbor. The rest [of the Torah] is commentary. Now go and study." Following this advice is an excellent way to avoid guilt and living peacefully with one's neighbor.

Rosh Hashanah (the head of the year) is the beginning of the Jewish calendar year. This is the day that G-d created mankind. This is also the day that Jews all over the world begin a time of serious introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in one's life during the new year. The day is spent in the synagogue where special prayers are said that focus on G-d's sovereignty.

Asking forgiveness for one's trespasses is more than simply saying a prayer and asking G-d for forgiveness. There are five steps to asking for forgiveness from one's fellow man.

One must realize that he/she has trespassed against another.
One must regret what he/she has done.
One must ask for forgiveness from the person against who he/she transgressed (or his/her family in the case of a death).
One must make restitution to the person (or his/her family in the case of a death).
One must honestly make attempts to not commit the same trespass in the future.

Only after these steps may a Jew ask forgiveness from G-d. Guilt is a gift to mankind. Guilt permits one to follow these steps, ask for forgiveness, and correct the trespasses that have been committed. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.

Secular Dates: (5768) June 9-10, 2008 | (5769) May 29-30, 2009 | (5770) May 19-20, 2010 | (5771) June 8-9, 2011

Summary: Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is a Biblical festival that occurs on 6 and 7 Sivan-seven weeks after Pesach-(in May or June). Shavuot is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Chag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah). It is customary to stay up the entire first night of Shavuot and study Torah (Tikkun Leil Shavuot), then pray as early as possible in the morning. It is customary to eat a dairy meal at least once during Shavuot. It is a reminder of the promise regarding the land of Israel, a land flowing with milk and honey. The Megillah (Book of Ruth) is read at this time as an honor to King David (Ruth was his ancestor) who was born on this day and also died on this day.

Secular Dates: (5768) Oct 4, 2007 | (5769) Oct 21, 2008 | (5770) Oct 10, 2009 | (5771) Sept 30, 2010

Summary: Shemini Atzeret occurs on 22 Tishri (in September or October). It brings the celebration of Sukkot into a state of perfection and is celebrated by prayer and the ending of the stay in the sukkah. Shemini Atzeret literally means the assembly of the eighth (day). No work is permitted on Shemini Atzeret. (In Israel Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day).

Secular Dates: (5768) July 20, 2008 | (5769) July 9, 2009 | (5770) June 29, 2010 | (5771) July 19, 2011

Summary: Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (Fast of the 17th of Tammuz) is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 17 Tammuz (in June or July). The 17th of Tammuz is a day-fast commemorating the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people on this day. This day is celebrated by the fast, special prayers, and the beginning of the Three Weeks (the annual period of mourning over the destruction of the First and Second Temples).

Five tragedies (Taanit 26b) that have befallen the Jewish people on this date are:
Moses smashed the Tablets of the Covenant at Mount Sinai
Daily tamid (twice-daily sacrificial) offerings ceased
The walls of Jersualem were breached by the Romans
Roman military leader Apostomus burned a Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll)
An idol was erected in the Holy Temple by King Menashe

Secular Dates: (5768) Oct 5, 2007 | (5769) Oct 22, 2008 | (5770) Oct 11, 2009 | (5771) Oct 1, 2010

Summary: Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah) occurs at the conclusion of Sukkot on 23 Tishri (in September or October). No work is permitted on Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah and the immediate beginning of the annual cycle. It is a time to celebrate the central symbol of Judaism, the Torah through prayer and celebration. The last Torah portion, then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a circle, and never ends. This completion of the readings is a time of great celebration. There are processions around the synagogue carrying Torahs and plenty of high-spirited singing and dancing.

Secular Dates: (5768) Sept 27-October 3, 2007 | (5769) Oct 14-20, 2008 | (5770) Oct 3-9, 2009 | (5771) Sept 23-29, 2010

Work: Not permitted on the first and second days (outside Israel), first day only (inside Israel)

Summary: Sukkot, the Harvest Festival, occurs on 15 Tishri (in September or October). The word Sukkot means booths, and refers to the temporary dwellings (sukkah) that we are commanded to live in during this holiday. Sukkot is also a harvest festival, and is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. The festival of Sukkot is instituted in Leviticus 23:34. It is the third of the three pilgrimage festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Pesach and Shavuot). No work is permitted on the first and second days of the holiday. The holiday commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. The commandment to "dwell" in a sukkah can be fulfilled by simply eating all of one's meals there; however, if the weather, climate, and one's health permit, one should live in the sukkah as much as possible, including sleeping in it. It is common practice, and highly commendable, to decorate the sukkah. In the northeastern United States, Jews commonly hang dried squash and corn in the sukkah to decorate it, because these vegetables are readily available at that time for the American holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving. Another observance related to Sukkot involves what are known as The Four Species (arba minim) or the lulav and etrog. We are commanded to take these four plants and use them to rejoice before the L-rd. With these four species in hand, one recites a blessing and waves the species in all six directions (east, south, west, north, up and down, symbolizing the fact that G-d is everywhere). The four species are also held during the Hallel prayer in religious services, and are held during processions around the bimah each day during the holiday. These processions, known as Hoshanahs, commemorate similar processions around the alter of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Secular Dates: (5768) Mar 20, 2008 | (5769) Mar 9, 2009 | (5770) Feb 25, 2010 | (5771) Mar 17, 2011

Summary: Taanit (Fast of) Esther is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 13 Adar-the day before Purim-(in February or March). It is a day-fast that commemorates the three-day fast of Esther, Mordechai, and all of Klal Yisrael as described in the book of Esther. It is celebrated by fasting, giving to the poor, prayer, and reading the Book of Esther (Megillah Esther).

Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sundown. This is one of the public fast days (the others being Tzom Gedaliah, Shiva Asarah B'Tammuz, and Asarah B'Tevet). If the Fast of Esther falls on Shabbos, the fast is observed the preceeding Thursday. Eating and drinking are not permitted. Those in ill health, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are exempt from the fast.

As you look around the world today at what is happening to the Jewish people, ask yourself - "Would I have Queen Esther's courage?" Esther was a prisoner in the king's household and was favored among all his wives and concubines. Yet, even with a promise of great riches and ease of life, Esther never forgot about her people. Would you be able to say the same?

As we Jews - especially in the Diaspora - gain our riches and settle into our ease of life we all tend to forget about our people. We must remember that there are Jews throughout the world who are not as fortunate - who are being oppressed. Like Esther, we must not forget our people. We must not become settled in our comfortable daily lives and forget the oppression of our people.

As you fast today, remember your people and pray for their deliverance from oppression.

Secular Dates: (5768) July 20-Aug 10, 2008 | (5769) July 9-30, 2009 | (5770) June 29-July 20, 2010 | (5771) July 19-Aug 9, 2011

Summary: The Three Weeks is a time of deep mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples. During these weeks, the Haftarah on Shabbat are taken from Jeremiah and Isaiah which deal with the exiles and the destructions of the Temples. Joy and celebration is minimized during this time as an act of mourning. During the three weeks weddings are not performed, music is not listened to, Jews avoid celebrations and pleasure trips, haircuts and shaving are not done, and the Shehecheyanu blessing is not recited over new food or clothes (except on Shabbat). The Nine Days (the first of Av through the ninth of Av) is an even more intense period of mourning. During this period, purchasing new, joyful products is not done, home improvement or planting trees/flowers is suspended, meat and wine is not consumed (except on Shabbat), cleaning clothing is not done and newly laundered clothes are not worn (except on Shabbat), and bathing for pleasure is not permitted.

Secular Dates: (5768) Aug 10, 2008 | (5769) July 30, 2009 | (5770) July 20, 2010 | (5771) Aug 9, 2011

Summary: Tish B'Av is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 9 Av (in July orAugust). This day is a day of fasting and commemorating the multiple tragedies that have occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. Tish B'Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av. Tish B'Av is the culmination of a three week period of increasing mourning, beginning with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, which commemorates the first breach in the walls of Jerusalem, before the First Temple was destroyed. During this three week period, weddings and other parties are not permitted, and people refrain from cutting their hair. From the first to the ninth of Av, it is customary to refrain from eating meat or drinking wine (except on Shabbat) and from wearing new clothing. The restrictions on Tish B'Av include refraining from eating and drinking (even water); washing, bathing, shaving or wearing cosmetics; wearing leather shoes; engaging in sexual relations; and studying Torah. Work in the ordinary sense of the word is also restricted. Many of the traditional mourning practices are observed: people refrain from smiles, laughter and idle conversation, and sit on low stools. In synagogue, the book of Lamentations is read and mourning prayers are recited. The ark (cabinet where the Torah is kept) is draped in black.

Five tragedies (Taanit 26b) that have befallen the Jewish people on this date are:
Decree that the Hebrews would not enter Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel)
Destruction of the first Holy Temple
Destruction of the Second Holy Temple
Beitar was captured
Jerusalem was razed

Don't you just hate it when you are traveling along the highway just to come upon the one and only nail in the road and ending up with a flat tire? Don't you just hate it when you seem to be the only person in the room who has managed to spill their coffee in their lap? When bad things happen to us individually we all get upset at ourselves and possible at others. But what happens when bad things happen to an entire people?

The entire people to which I refer are the Jews. It is no secret that throughout the lives of the Jewish people-beginning with Abraham-many bad things have happened. There has been slavery, dispersion to foreign lands, genocide, destruction of Holy Writings, lose of the Temple (twice!), foreign dictators on the throne of Israel, and - most recently - the Intifada. Through it all there have been those Jews who have given in and forgot their Jewish brothers and sisters, G-d, and Torah. There have also been many Jews who have not given in and have helped their Jewish brothers and sisters. These people did not forget G-d or Torah. These people have also remembered the bad things that have happened to the Jews and they mourn.

Tish B'Av (the 9th of Av) is the day that we Jews remember all the bad things that have happened to us. This full day fast is a remembrance of the things lost to us through our own actions and through the actions of others. This day is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar due to all the tragedies that have happened on this particular day to the Jewish people.

(1312 BCE) The sin of the spies caused Hashem to decree that the Children of Israel who left Egypt would not be permitted to enter the land of Israel
(421 BCE) The first Temple was destroyed
(70 CE) The second Temple was destroyed-over 2.5 million killed
(132 CE) Betar, the last fortress to hold out against the Romans during the Bar Kochba revolt fell-over 100,000 killed
(133 CE) One year after the fall of Betar, the Temple area was plowed and the pagan city of Aelia Capitolina was built
(1095 CE) First Crusade declared by Pope Urban II-10,000 killed in the first month
(1290 CE) Expulsion of Jews from England
(1492 CE) King Ferdinand of Spain issued the expulsion decree, setting Tisha B'Av as the final date by which not a single Jew would be allowed to walk on Spanish soil
(1914 CE) World War I – which began the downward slide to the Holocaust – began on Tisha B’av
(1942 CE) Deportation of Jews from Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka Concentration Camp began
(1989 CE) Iraq walks out on talks with Kuwait
(1994 CE) Bombing of the JCC in Buenos Aires, Argentina-86 killed

During our time of mourning we must not forget that we are G-d's Chosen People and G-d has blessed us with His Torah. May you all have an easy fast.

Secular Dates: (5768) Aug 16, 2008 | (5769) Aug 5, 2009 | (5770) July 26, 2010 | (5771) Aug 15, 2011

Summary: Tu B'Av occurs on 15 Av (in July orAugust). This day is a day of commemorating joyous occasions - including the end of the 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. There are no real rituals or customs for this day except confessions of sins and other related portions of the daily prayers are not read.

Secular Dates: (5768) Jan 22, 2008 | (5769) Feb 9, 2009 | (5770) Jan 30, 2010 | (5771) Jan 20, 2011

Summary: Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish Ecology Day, occurs on 15 Shevat (in January or February). Tu B’Shevat is an agricultural holiday that celebrates the earth and its produce. It is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing (Leviticus 19:23-25). It is celebrated through prayer, celebration, and eating the seven types of plant produce that are cited in Deuteronomy 8:8 (wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranate, olives, and date-honey). Other customs include eating a new fruit on this day, planting trees on this day, collecting money for trees for Israel, and holding a seder.

Have you ever had a spiritual experience while communing with nature? Have you ever wondered why one says a brocha when one sees something beautiful? I have had many spiritual experiences while alone, walking or sitting and breathing in the beauty of the nature around me. Saying a brocha and blessing G-d for the beauty around me enhances that spiritual experience.

Many people in the modern day do not take time to stop and see the beauty around them. Many people do not take time to ponder on the beauty and intricacies of a blade of grass or a maple leaf, or a beautiful rose petal. G-d is showing His presence in our world through the beauty of nature. It is only right that we praise G-d and say a brocha when we experience this beauty.

Remember, stop and experience nature and praise G-d for the beauty that surrounds you.

Secular Dates: (5768) Sept 16, 2007 | (5769) Oct 2, 2008 | (5770) Sept 21, 2009 | (5771) Sept 12, 2010

Summary: Tzom Gedaliah, a minor holiday, is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 3 Tishri (in September or October). It is a day-fast that commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah Ben Achikam. It is celebrated by prayer and the reading of the Thirteen Divine Attributes.

Hashem descended in a cloud and stood with him there, and He called out with the Name Hashem. Hashem passed before him and proclaimed: Hashem, Hashem, G-d, Compassionate and Gracious, Slow to Anger, and Abundant in Kindness and Truth; Preserver of Kindness for thousands of generations, Forgiver of Iniquity, Willful Sin, and Error, and Who Cleanses--but does not cleanse completely, recalling the iniquity of parents upon children and grandchildren, to the third and fourth generations.

Secular Dates: (5768) Oct 23, 2007 | (5769) Nov 9, 2008 | (5770) Oct 29, 2009 | (5771) Oct 19, 2010

Summary: Yizkor Rachel occurs on 11 Cheshvan (in November or December). This is a day to commemorate the Jewish matriarch, Rachel's, death. Many people travel to Rachel's tomb in Israel and offer special prayers.

Secular Dates: (5768) May 8, 2008 | (5769) Apr 29, 2009 | (5770) Apr 19, 2010 | (5771) May 9 ,2011

Summary: Yom HaAtzmaut, also known as Israel Independence Day, occurs on 5 Iyar (in April or May). It is a day of celebration commemorating the day Israel declared its independence.

Secular Dates: (5768) May 1, 2008 | (5769) Apr 21, 2009 | (5770) Apr 11, 2010 | (5771) May 1, 2011

Summary: Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, occurs on 27 Nisan (in March or April). Yom HaShoah is a one-day holiday that celebrates the remembrance of the Shoah during the 1930s and 1940s. It is celebrated by special prayers, reading the names of those who perished, and visiting museums and other places of remembrance. Each family and community has its own way of remembering those who perished in this genocide as well as those who survived.

Secular Dates: (5768) May 7, 2008 | (5769) Apr 28, 2009 | (5770) Apr 18, 2010 | (5771) May 8, 2011

Summary: Yom HaZikaron, also known as Israel Remembrance Day, occurs on 4 Iyar (in April or May). It is a day to remember those who fought for Israeli independence. Kaddish, the prayer for the dead is said on this day.

Secular Dates: (5768) Sept 22, 2007 | (5769) Oct 9, 2008 | (5770) Sept 28, 2009 | (5771) Sept 18, 2010

Summary: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a Biblical holiday that occurs on 10 Tishrei (in September or October). It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them. The holiday is instituted at Leviticus 23:27 No work can be performed on that day. On Erev Yom Kippur (the night of 9 Tishri) the service is commonly known as Kol Nidre (all vows), named for the prayer that begins the service. In Kol Nidre we ask G-d to annul all personal vows we may make in the next year. It refers only to vows between the person making them and G-d. Much of the day is spent in synagogue where the regular daily prayers are expanded. There is a special prayer book called the Machzor used for Yom Kippur. Services begin around 8am and continue until about 3pm. People then usually go home for an afternoon nap and return around 5pm for the afternoon and evening services, which continue until nightfall. The services end at nightfall, with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a long blast on the shofar. Yom Kippur is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. The Talmud also specifies additional restrictions that include: washing and bathing, anointing one's body (with cosmetics, deodorants, etc.), wearing leather shoes, and engaging in sexual relations are all prohibited on Yom Kippur. It is customary to wear white on the holiday, which symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow. Some people wear a kittel, the white robe in which the man is married and the dead are buried.

Asking for forgiveness is one of the most difficult things one must do in life. Asking for forgiveness means that one is honest and truly feel sorry for one's trespasses. On Yom Kippur, Jews ask G-d's forgiveness for trespasses made against G-d and G-d's Laws. Searching one's soul is part of the process of asking for forgiveness and fasting on Yom Kippur helps the process of atonement and soul searching.

Yom Kippur is the ending of the Days of Awe during. The Book of Life is written on Rosh Hashanah and determines who will have a good life and who will have a bad life during the next year. However, these decrees are not sealed until the end of Yom Kippur. These decrees can be altered through the acts of charity, prayer, and repentance. Charity is an essential part of Judaism. It is a tradition to give money and/or food to the poor and hungry during this time. Special prayers are said during this time as well as special services during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Repentance not only means repentance to G-d on Yom Kippur but also to one's fellow man.

Secular Dates: (5768) June 2, 2008 | (5769) May 22, 2009 | (5770) May 12, 2010 | (5771) June 1, 2011

Summary: Yom Yerushalayim occurs on 28 Iyar (in April or May) and is the celebration of the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. It is a day of national celebration and remembrance of those who fought for the reunification of the eternal capital of Israel.

HOLIDAY	5767 (2006-2007)	5768 (2007-2008)	5769 (2008-2009)	5770 (2009-2010)	5771 (2010-2011)
Rosh Hashanah	Sept 23-24, 2006	Sept 13-14, 2007	Sept 30-Oct 1, 2008	Sept 19-20, 2009	Sept 9-10, 2010
Tzom Gedaliah	Sept 25, 2006	Sept 16, 2007	Oct 2, 2008	Sept 21, 2009	Sept 12, 2010
Yom Kippur	Oct 2, 2006	Sept 22, 2007	Oct 9, 2008	Sept 28, 2009	Sept 18, 2010
Sukkot	Oct 7-13, 2006	Sept 27-Oct 3, 2007	Oct 14-20, 2008	Oct 3-9, 2009	Sept 23-29, 2010
Hoshanah Rabbah	Oct 13, 2006	Oct 3, 2007	Oct 20, 2008	Oct 9, 2009	Sept 29, 2010
Shemini Atzeret	Oct 14, 2006	Oct 4, 2007	Oct 21, 2008	Oct 10, 2009	Sept 30, 2010
Simchat Torah	Oct 15, 2006	Oct 5, 2007	Oct 22, 2008	Oct 11, 2009	Oct 1, 2010
Chanukah	Dec 16-23, 2006	Dec 5-12, 2007	Dec 22-29, 2008	Dec 12-19, 2009	Dec 2-9, 2010
Asarah B'Tevet	Dec 31, 2006	Dec 19, 2007	Jan 6, 2009	Dec 27, 2009	Dec 17, 2010
Tu B’Shevat	Feb 3, 2007	Jan 22, 2008	Feb 9, 2009	Jan 30, 2010	Jan 20, 2011
Taanit Esther	Mar 1, 2007	Mar 20, 2008	Mar 9, 2009	Feb 25, 2010	Mar 17, 2011
Purim	Mar 4, 2007	Mar 21, 2008	Mar 10, 2009	Feb 28, 2010	Mar 20, 2011
Pesach	Apr 3-10, 2007	Apr 20-27, 2008	Apr 9-16, 2009	Mar 30-Apr 6, 2010	Apr 19-26, 2011
Yom HaShoah	Apr 15, 2007	May 1, 2008	Apr 21, 2009	Apr 11, 2010	May 1, 2011
Yom HaZikaron	Apr 22, 2007	May 7, 2008	Apr 28, 2009	Apr 18, 2010	May 8, 2011
Yom HaAtzmaut	Apr 23, 2007	May 8, 2008	Apr 29, 2009	Apr 19, 2010	May 9, 2011
Lag B’Omer	May 6, 2007	May 23, 2008	May 12, 2009	May 2, 2010	May 22, 2011
Yom Yerushalayim	May 16, 2007	June 2, 2008	May 22, 2009	May 12, 2010	June 1, 2011
Shavuot	May 23-24, 2007	June 9-10, 2008	May 29-30, 2009	May 19-20, 2010	June 8-9, 2011
Shiva Asar B’Tammuz	July 3, 2007	July 20, 2008	July 9, 2009	June 29, 2010	July 19, 2011
Tish B’Av	July 24, 2007	Aug 10, 2008	July 30, 2009	July 20, 2010	Aug 9, 2011
Tu B’Av	July 30, 2007	Aug 16, 2008	Aug 5, 2009	July 26, 2010	Aug 15, 2011