Jewish Holidays: Tu B'Shvat, Purim, Pesach, Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron

When is Tu B'shvat?

On the 15th day of Shevat.

What is a famous mitzvah or custom of Tu B'shvat?

There is no formal mitzvah, but there is a custom to eat fruit from Eretz Yisrael and to pray for a beautiful Etrog for the next Sukkot.

Why do we celebrate Tu B'shvat?

It marks the day when trees start to regenerate and begin to regrow in spring. It is also the beginning of a new cycle for trees regarding the laws of Trumah and Maaser.

Is there anything special about davening on Tu B'shvat?

Not really. If you daven in a minyan, you will notice there is no Tachanun.

When is Purim celebrated?

On the 14th day of Adar. In a Jewish leap year, it is the 14th day of Adar Bet.

What are the famous mitzvot of Purim?

Reading the Megillah at night and during the day, giving mishloach manot, matanot la'evyonim, and having a celebratory Purim meal. There is also a custom to dress up in costumes.

Why do we celebrate Purim?

To remember that Hashem saved the Jewish people from Achashverosh and Haman.

Is there anything special about davening on Purim?

Yes, we read the Megillah. Interestingly, there is no Hallel on Purim because reading the Megillah is considered praise to Hashem.

When does Pesach start?

On the 15th of Nissan.

What are the famous mitzvot of Pesach?

Eating matzah, not eating chametz, and performing all the rituals of the seder.

Why do we celebrate Pesach?

To remember and celebrate that Hashem took the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt.

Is there anything special about davening on Pesach?

Yes, Hallel is recited, there is Torah reading, and Musaf is added.

When is Yom HaShoah observed?

On the 27th of Nissan, though the date may shift so observances do not fall on Shabbat.

What are the famous mitzvot of Yom HaShoah?

There are no formal mitzvot since it is a modern holiday. People remember those killed in the Holocaust, and in Israel, a siren blares at 10 a.m. for everyone to stand at attention for two minutes.

Why do we observe Yom HaShoah?

It is a day to remember those who were lost in the Holocaust.

Is there anything special about davening on Yom HaShoah?

No.

When is Yom Hazikaron observed?

On the 4th of Iyar, though the date may shift so observances do not fall on Shabbat.

What are the famous mitzvot of Yom Hazikaron?

There are no formal mitzvot since it is a modern holiday. People remember all those who were killed defending Israel, and also victims of terror. In Israel, a siren blares at 10 a.m. for everyone to stand at attention for two minutes.

Why do we observe Yom Hazikaron?

To remember those who were killed defending Israel and victims of terror.

Is there anything special about davening on Yom Hazikaron?

No.

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