Section 5 - Jewish Holidays and Practices

What is Shabbat?

The Jewish day of rest observed from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sundown.

Why is Shabbat observed?

To remember God resting on the seventh day of creation.

What charitable act traditionally precedes Shabbat?

Giving tzedakah (charity).

What are key rituals of Shabbat?

Lighting candles, blessing children, Kiddush over wine, and eating challah.

What does Shabbat emphasize?

Rest, community, gratitude, and spiritual connection.

What is Yom Kippur?

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism.

What is the purpose of Yom Kippur?

Fasting, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God.

What period leads to Yom Kippur?

The 10 Days of Awe, beginning with Rosh Hashanah.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

The Jewish New Year celebrating creation and self-reflection.

What ritual object is blown on Rosh Hashanah?

The shofar (ram’s horn).

What foods are commonly eaten during Rosh Hashanah?

Apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year.

What is the Tashlich ritual?

Throwing breadcrumbs into water to symbolize casting away sins.

How does Rosh Hashanah strengthen community?

Through shared meals, synagogue services, and symbolic traditions.

What is Passover (Pesach)?

The holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt.

How long does Passover last?

Eight days.

What central meal begins Passover?

The seder meal, where the Exodus story is retold.

What foods must be avoided during Passover?

Chametz (leavened foods).

What themes does Passover emphasize?

Freedom, justice, remembrance, and compassion.

How does Passover foster community?

Families and communities gather for seders, prayers, and shared traditions.

What is Hanukkah?

The Festival of Lights, celebrating the Maccabean revolt and a miracle of oil.

How long is Hanukkah celebrated?

Eight days.

What object is used during Hanukkah?

The menorah (nine-branched hanukiah).

What miracle is remembered during Hanukkah?

One day’s worth of oil lasted eight nights.

What historical event is connected to Hanukkah?

The Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.

What themes does Hanukkah emphasize?

Religious freedom, resilience, faith, and light overcoming darkness.

Who outlawed Jewish practices leading to the Hanukkah events?

Antiochus IV.

What is the Maccabean Revolt?

A Jewish uprising in the 2nd century BCE against Seleucid rule and forced Hellenization.

Who began the Maccabean Revolt?

Mattathias; later led by his son Judah Maccabee.

What did the Maccabees accomplish?

They reclaimed the Temple and restored Jewish worship.

What is Shavuot?

The holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

What was Shavuot originally?

An agricultural festival marking the wheat harvest and first fruits.

How is Shavuot practiced today?

All-night Torah study, reading the Ten Commandments, eating dairy, and decorating with greenery.

How does Shavuot foster community?

Through group study, synagogue gatherings, and shared celebrations.

What is kosher?

Following Jewish dietary laws known as kashrut.

What land animals are kosher?

Animals that chew cud and have split hooves.

What seafood is kosher?

Fish with fins and removable scales.

What foods are forbidden in kashrut?

Pork, shellfish, predatory birds, and mixtures of meat and dairy.

How must kosher meat be slaughtered?

By a trained shochet using shechita.

What does “bar/bat mitzvah” mean?

A coming-of-age ceremony where a 13-year-old becomes responsible for Jewish law.

How does one prepare for a bar/bat mitzvah?

By studying Hebrew, chanting Torah, learning prayers, and completing a mitzvah project.

What is the purpose of a bar/bat mitzvah?

To mark religious maturity and commitment to Jewish tradition.