Holidays, traditions, and customs associated with them form a significant aspect of Jewish culture. These holidays typically commemorate important events from Jewish history. Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is observed through fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness for sins.
The Jewish New Year, called Rosh Hashanah, falls on the seventh month of the Jewish calendar, which consists of 354 variable days. Purim is among the most joyful Jewish holidays, marked by dressing up, public celebrations, parties, and indulging in sweets. Hamishosi or Tu-Bishvat means the “New Year of Trees”, which marks the beginning of spring and during this holiday people eat fruits and nuts. Pesach, also known as Passover, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and is celebrated through a festive meal called the Seder.
Some holidays entail strict fasting, and nearly all of them involve special customs associated with the food prepared and consumed for that specific holiday.
Listen to what were Sara Granada's favorite holidays and what customs were associated with the holidays in her family.
What was the most interesting part of Sarah’s testimony to you?
Can you identify any similarities between how you and your family celebrate a holiday and how Sarah described her own experiences?