Calendar Of Jewish Holidays
The Jewish faith celebrates specific holidays that aren’t found on Christian calendars. These holidays fall on specific dates each year
and have an important meaning in the history of their people. Some of the following dates and holidays are examples of those found in the
Jewish faith.
The Shabbat is a celebration of the days it took God to create the earth and is also known as the Sabbath. Those
celebrating aren’t allowed to work on this holy day and must follow specific guidelines, as well as regulations on prayer. The day falls
at the end of every week, on Saturday.
Rosh Hashanah changes from year to year. In 2009 it lands on September 29 and ends on
October 1, while the following year it takes place from September 18 until the 20th of the month. Rosh Hashanah is a ten
day celebration of the Jewish religion, with an emphasis on prayer and the examination of each person’s own life.
Yom Kippur occurs in 2009 on October 8 and 9, but lands on September 27 and 28 the following year. It’s known as the Day of Atonement, and the
Jewish people fast and pray throughout the day. Sukkot is a week long celebration. On the Jewish calendar it occurs on October 13-20 in
2009 and from the 2-9 of October in 2010. Sukkot is known as the day that the Jews give thanks for a bountiful harvest in the fall.
Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah takes place over two days in September or October, depending on the year. In 2009, it falls on October 20-21
and returns to September in 2011. Shemini Atzeret, also known as Simchat Torah, takes place on the eighth day following the Sukkot each year.
The event is meant to be intimate and a way for the Jewish people to continue celebrating the Sukkot.
Chanukah takes place over one week, typically before Christmas. Chanukah fell on December 21-29 in 2009 and December 11-19 in 2010. It is a celebration of the Jews saving
the Temple in Jerusalem and defeating the Syrians. Purim takes place over two days in either February or March. It falls on March 9-10 in 2009
and February 27-28 in 2010. Purim involves reading the scroll of Esther and celebrating that particular book.
Pesach is a week long event falling in March and April. It takes place from April 8-15 in 2009 and March 29-April 5 in 2010. Pesach is also known as Passover and is
a celebration of the time when the Jews left Egypt. Shavuot takes place over two days in May each year. In 2009, it fell on May 28-29, and in
2010 it’s held on May 18-19. The day is meant to celebrate the time when the Jews were given the Torah.
The Jewish holidays are important parts of the year for those practicing the faith. It’s a way to celebrate their heritage and remember the important moments in their past.
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