Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the traditional New Year celebrated on the eve of December 31st. This holiday is a time for Jewish people to look back over the year and examine the past mistakes while planning for changes in the upcoming year. No work is permitted on this day. Instead, the day is spent at the synagogue praying.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast, and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish year.
The words "Yom Kippur" mean "Day of Atonement." This is the day to atone for the sins of the past year against God, not against another person. On this day, the judgement entered in the books that God keeps with the names of the Jewish people are sealed. This is the last chance to change the judgement and demonstrate a desire for repentance and making amends. To atone for sins against another person, one must seek reconciliation with that person and right the wrongs if possible. This must be completed before Yom Kippur. There is no work on this day, a complete Sabbath day. Also there is to be no eating or drinking, even water, on this day. It is a 25 hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur.
Chanukkah
A much more minor holiday is Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kisley, celebrated near the Christian holiday of Christmas.
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the traditional New Year celebrated on the eve of December 31st. This holiday is a time for Jewish people to look back over the year and examine the past mistakes while planning for changes in the upcoming year. No work is permitted on this day. Instead, the day is spent at the synagogue praying.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast, and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish year.
The words "Yom Kippur" mean "Day of Atonement." This is the day to atone for the sins of the past year against God, not against another person. On this day, the judgement entered in the books that God keeps with the names of the Jewish people are sealed. This is the last chance to change the judgement and demonstrate a desire for repentance and making amends. To atone for sins against another person, one must seek reconciliation with that person and right the wrongs if possible. This must be completed before Yom Kippur. There is no work on this day, a complete Sabbath day. Also there is to be no eating or drinking, even water, on this day. It is a 25 hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur.
Chanukkah
A much more minor holiday is Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kisley, celebrated near the Christian holiday of Christmas.