WHY AND HOW OF FEAST

Pesach (Passover)

Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt.

Pesach Celebration

Families select a lamb, observe it for defects, and sacrifice it; they apply its blood to doorposts and eat unleavened bread.

Feast of Unleavened Bread

Reminds of the haste in leaving Egypt.

Unleavened Bread Celebration

For seven days, no leavened bread is consumed, and homes are cleaned of yeast.

Feast of First Fruits

Acknowledges the harvest.

First Fruits Celebration

The first sheaf of the harvest is brought to the priest, who waves it before YHVH.

Shavuot (Pentecost)

Celebrates the giving of the Torah.

Shavuot Celebration

Two loaves of bread are offered, along with animal sacrifices.

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Te’Ruah)

Marks the new year and calls for repentance.

Trumpets Celebration

Shofars are blown, and a day of rest is observed.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Day of repentance and atonement for sins.

Yom Kippur Celebration

Fasting and prayer, with the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Commemorates the Israelites' wilderness journey.

Sukkot Celebration

Living in temporary shelters (sukkot) for seven days, offering sacrifices, and rejoicing.