Topic 8- Festivals

Question 1

Rosh Hashanah, what happens?

Answer 1

Shofar horn is blown in preparation of the festival
Resolutions are made
Sins are thrown into water in the synagogue.

Question 2

Rosh Hashanah, why is it important?

Answer 2

Marks the beginning of the Jewish year
A chance for a person to come before God and atone their sins
An obligation to fulfil

Question 3

Yom Kippur, what happens?

Answer 3

Jews will fast for 25 hours
Sins are confessed as well as prayers for forgiveness made
A special evening service happens in the synagogue

Question 4

Yom Kippur, why is it important?

Answer 4

Jews believe that God seals the book of judgment at the end of Yom Kippur for another year
The holiest day of the year
Releases people from guilt and sin

Question 5

Pesach/Passover, what happens?

Answer 5

A synagogue service is held where Jews are reminded of their ancestors and thanks is made to God
There is a special seder meal
Unleavened bread is eaten for 7 days

Question 6

Pesach/Passover, why is it important?

Answer 6

The birthday of a Jewish nation
Reminds Jews that God has remained loyal to them, His chosen people
Special teachings are learnt from Haggadah

Question 7

Shavuot, what happens?

Answer 7

Ten Commandments are read
Dairy foods are eaten rather than meat
Synagogue is decorated
Prayers are said for the dead

Question 8

Shavuot, why is it important?

Answer 8

Celebrates the Torah, God’s laws special rules given to them
Celebrates the Mitzvots, and the liberation Jews can get from them

Question 9

Sukkot, what happens?

Answer 9

Jews will rejoice for 8 days in the synagogue
They may decide to build a sukkah like when Jews were in the wilderness
Jews will wave palms, and carry citrus fruits

Question 10

Sukkot, why is it important?

Answer 10

Brings in the new harvest on Autumn
Reminder of the time that the Jewish people spent in the wilderness
Reminds Jews of the need to do good, and thank God for the blessings they get from Him.