Why do judaism celebrate

This is a time for Jews to focus on their relationship with God and consider any wrongdoings of the past year. The festival is often associated with the shofar as this is blown every day during the last month of the year and on Rosh Hashanah itself.

The sound is a call to repent. The Torah also advises that Rosh Hashanah should be a day of rest:. During Rosh Hashanah, Jews spend a lot of time in the synagogue and reading from the Torah. Jews often eat apples dipped in honey during Rosh Hashanah to symbolise the hope for a sweet or pleasant new year. Jews also take part in the Tashlich , or casting away ceremony. Photo of etrog by Larry Goldbaum.

The last portion of the Torah is read on this day. Observant Jews do not work or travel on this yom tov or "holy day. Hanukkah The eight-day festival of Hanukkah—or "Festival of Lights"—commemorates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

In fact, it is a relatively minor Jewish holiday in religious terms which unlike most other Jewish holidays, has no restrictions whatsoever on work or travel—although many Jewish families and communities get together to celebrate this festive holiday. It is customary to eat fried foods such as potato latkes or jelly doughnuts.

Bar mitzvah and Bat mitzvah ceremonies mark a child's thirteenth birthday in some traditions, a girl's twelfth birthday. The first act of adulthood is reading from the Torah scroll during services. All Jewish holy days begin at sundown and end at sundown. The Shabbat begins at sundown each Friday and lasts until dark on Saturday. We gather as family and community to give thanks, offer respect, and stay connected to the ancient and modern traditions that shape Jewish life and identity.

We remember, we re-enact, and we retain the light for generations to come. We also honor the moments, experiences, and values we hold in fresh, but powerful ways. We welcome you to learn more about significant holidays and observations of the Jewish calendar. We also invite you to join us for our many celebrations throughout the year! Still have questions? Contact our Jewish Life department.