Jewish Festivals Flashcards
What is Rosh Hashanah?
-The Jewish New year. It celebrates God creating the world
-“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”
-Jews believe that at the time, God will judge every person on the actions of the previous year and then decide what the coming year will bring for them.
What happens during Rosh Hashanah and how does it influence their lives?
-Jewish people will eat apples dipped in honey to show the hope in a sweet new year
- SHOFAR - The ram’s horn instrument is blown every day.
-Jewish people will consider their mistakes or wrongdoings of the previous year and try to make up for them through self-reflection or seeking forgiveness.
What is Yom Kippur?
-‘Day of Atonement’. The holiest day of the year for Jewish people.
- It is the most solemn day of the year and a time when forgiveness should take place.
-Many Orthodox Jews will fast for 25 hours as a sign that they are atoning for their sins as the Torah says “you shall practice self-denial”
-Jewish people will ask for forgiveness and say sorry to those who they have wronged in the past to ensure they have made up for their mistakes.
What is Passover?
-Its name comes from the fact that the Jewish ancestor’s homes were ‘passed over by the final and worst plague that God sent to free them (the death of the firstborn son).
-They had painted lamb’s blood onto the doorposts of their homes and so were spared.
What evidence is there for Passover in the Torah?
The Torah says “you shall celebrate it”
How does Passover influence a Jew’s life?
Jewish people will eat a special meal called the Seder meal where many family members will gather to read the story of the exodus from Egypt and remember how God saved them.
What does the swear meal consist of?
-LAMB’S BONE - Represents the lamb’s blood painted on the doorposts to spare the Jewish ancestors from God’s tenth plague.
- KARPAS - Green leaves that are dipped into salt water to represent the tears and pain of the slaves.
What is Sukkkot?
-A festival that thanks God for protecting and providing for the Jews
-during this time a Sukkah (temporary shelter) is built to remeber how the ancestors wondered for 40years and had to build temporary homes
-“you shall live in booths for 7days” says the Torah
How does Sukkot influence a Jew’s life?
Many Jews will spend the festival of Sukkot eating and spending time in the Sukkah which is often built in the gardens of the Jewish home to help them be more connected with nature
