Festivals Flashcards
What is Rosh Hashanah?
It is the Jewish new year festival and the anniversary of the creation of the world. On the first and sometimes second day of Tishri (in September). They ask for forgiveness to everyone for their sins committed. Everyone goes to the synagogue and the 10 days of awe start. The Rams horn or sheep is blown to commemorate the start of Rosh Hashanah.
What is Yom Kippur?
It is the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar and starts 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. It means day of atonement. One of the “high holy days”. Goals and resolutions are set and the day of judgment (Yom Hadin) is the last day. Fasting is done for 25 hours to show appreciation and devotion to God and the sacrifices made for them.
What is the story of Jonah?
It is when Jonah is told a message by God, to the people of Ninevah where people were sining, and tell them to stop and to follow the way of God. He tried to run away but got punished by God as of this, so a storm arose and he was thrown overboard and swallowed by a whale then burped out. He then ran to Ninevah to deliver the message they did as told and Jonah was forgiven.
What does the story of Jonah teach us?
It teaches us to obey the Lord / God or he will punish you. And shows the ability to repent and be forgiven.
What is Hanukkah/Hannukkah/Chanukkah?
They festival of light which takes place usually in November of December and lasts for 8 days. It means rededication. The story is: Hannukkah reminds the Jews of when the Syrian King tried to make the Jewish people worship the Greek gods. They were made to bow down in the temple to the statue, to Antiochus, but the 10 commandments forbid Jews to worship statues or idols.
The rest of the story of Chanukkah and meaning
There was a 3 year war and they recaptured the city of Jerusalem and had to rebuild the temple, which they rededicated to God by lighting a lamp with enough oil for 1 day but stayed alight for 8. Hannukkah is celebrated by lighting 1 candle per day for 8 days, these are the days of rededication.
What is the other name for Passover?
Pesach
What does pesach/Passover celebrate?
The Israelites being free of slavery and the Egyptians and God saving them.
How is Passover celebrated?
It lasts for 7 or 8 days and they clean their houses from top to bottom. And then they have a story of how the Israelites fled from Egypt. Everyone has a cushion to remind them that they are free and everyone takes part in read their Haggadah. Songs are sung and 4 questions asks by the youngest child.
Why is it called Passover?
As the Israelites put lambs blood on their doors so the plague would pass over them
What are the symbols on the Seder plate?
Lamb-the Passover- the sacrifice. Matzos- the running away of the Jews and they didn’t have time for the bread to rise. Maror-bitter herbs- the bitter slavery. Charoset-Apple and cinnamon paste used by slaved when making bricks. Roasted egg-a new life. Parsle-a fresh start. Salt water- the tears of the Israelite slaves.
What does the sabbath celebrate and what is its importance to Jews?
The seventh day of God creating the world, the day of rest. It is from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. It is to remember and appreciate God, no electronics are to be used and when going to synagogue you must walk.
