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Celebrating Jewish Holidays
The Significance of Jewish Holidays
The meanings and traditions of the Jewish holidays have been passed down from generation to generation. Despite variations in customs and practice, the holidays unite the Jewish people, strengthen their identity, and foster a sense of unity. Across communities around the world, these occasions are more than historical commemorations—they are living testimonies to resilience, continuity, and faith. Together, we overcome challenges, preserve our heritage, and continue shaping a shared Jewish future.
Succot
Four Species, Countless Traditions, One People
The festival of Sukkot brings together a variety of customs observed by Jewish communities around the world:
Etrogim from Calabria (Italy) - Italian Jews have been cultivating etrogim for hundreds of years, and many consider them among the finest in the world. Jews worldwide refer to them as the “Genoa etrog,” named after the port from which they are shipped to communities. Today, this type is particularly cherished by Chabad, Satmar, and Gur Hasidim.
Lulavim from Yemen - In Yemeni communities, special care was taken to select exceptionally straight and tall lulavim, in keeping with their tradition.
Hadassim from Tunisia - Tunisian Jewry was known for its meticulous selection of thick and lush hadassim.
Many legends and midrashim have been written about the origins of these customs, which symbolize unity despite our differences.
This mitzvah seems to embody the essence of the Jewish people: scattered across the world in diverse communities, each developing its own traditions, yet all belonging to the same people, under the same symbolic Sukkah that connects us from generation to generation.
Yom Kippur
On this sacred day, Jews around the world come together in prayer, fasting, and reflection. Though customs vary across communities, the spirit of repentance and renewal is shared by all.
Ashkenazi Jews recite special prayers such as Kol Nidrei and Ne’ila, marking the solemn opening and closing of the fast.
Sephardic liturgy is enriched with deeply moving piyyutim - liturgical poems that stir the soul.
In Yemenite Jewish tradition, ancient customs are preserved, including the unique practice of fasting in complete silence.
Despite the differences in custom and liturgy, Yom Kippur unites the Jewish people in a collective plea for forgiveness and hope for a year of blessing and peace.
Rosh Hashana
(the Jewish New Year)
Faith in the Face of Darkness
There is a story from the Holocaust about Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto who, despite the harsh conditions and grave danger, managed to obtain a shofar (ram’s horn) and blow it on Rosh Hashana. This act of spiritual defiance illustrates the extraordinary determination of Jews to uphold religious commandments even under Nazi persecution.
In the overcrowded, starving, and terrorized ghettos - where thousands were imprisoned - many Jews strove to maintain Jewish traditions as best they could. Public prayer was forbidden on Rosh Hashana, yet Jews risked everything to hold clandestine services. The blowing of the shofar, a central Rosh Hashana ritual symbolizing hope, repentance, and prayer, was considered especially dangerous. Possession or use of a shofar could result in severe punishment, even death.
Testimonies from survivors recount how Jews smuggled and hid shofars in ghettos and concentration camps. In one heartbreaking case, in the Vilna Ghetto, a group of Jews caught sounding the shofar were executed on the spot.
The story of the shofar during the Holocaust is more than a tale of religious observance. It is a symbol of the unbreakable Jewish spirit - the will to preserve faith, identity, and hope even in the darkest times. It reminds us of the power of belief and the resilience of a people who refused to let go of their spiritual life.
Tu BiShvat
A Holiday That Connects the Jewish People to Their Land
This holiday expresses the deep connection between the cultural and spiritual roots of the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Tu BiShvat marks the beginning of the growing season for trees and fruits, providing an opportunity to emphasize the values of rootedness, renewal, and connection to nature.
Eating the fruits of the land, planting trees, and caring for the environment reflect respect and appreciation for the land of Israel, as well as a commitment to preserve it for future generations.
Among Jews in the diaspora, Tu BiShvat serves as a time to connect with Israel, even from afar. The holiday is celebrated with fruits from the Holy Land, special prayers, and discussions about the historical and emotional bond with the land.
After the establishment of the State of Israel, the date also became symbolic as the “birthday” of the Israeli Knesset. On Tu BiShvat 5709 (February 14, 1949), during the first year of Israel’s statehood, the inaugural meeting of the Constituent Assembly - later known as the Knesset - was held in the Jewish Agency building in Jerusalem.
Tu BiShvat is not only a holiday of trees and fruits but also a celebration of deep connection between the Jewish people and their land, between Jews in Israel and the diaspora, and between the past, present, and future of the Jewish people.
Hanukkah
Candle Lighting in Berlin: A Light of Hope in the Heart of the City
On Hanukkah, as candles are lit across the world, a powerful and symbolic ceremony takes place in Berlin: the public lighting of the Hanukkah menorah at the Brandenburg Gate - one of the city's most iconic landmarks. In a festive event held at Paris Square, members of the Jewish community from Berlin and surrounding areas gather to celebrate Hanukkah in a spirit of light, resilience, and unity.
The choice of location is deeply meaningful. Paris Square was so named by the Germans as a gesture of reconciliation and peace. Just steps away lies the Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Against this backdrop, the celebration carries profound emotional and historical weight.
The candle lighting at the Brandenburg Gate has become a cherished tradition in Germany’s Jewish community. Similar ceremonies are held in several cities across the country, giving Hanukkah a visible and powerful place in the public sphere. It stands as a symbol of spiritual triumph, Jewish continuity, and the enduring message of Hanukkah: the victory of light over darkness.
Simchat Torah
The Hidden Torah Scroll
A Torah scroll is a parchment or vellum scroll on which the entire Torah is written, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Devarim.
The oldest complete Torah scroll is held in the library of the University of Bologna and is approximately 850 years old. It is known as the “Bologna Torah Scroll.” Due to a cataloging error, it was initially dated to the 17th century, but only in 2013 was it discovered to be much older, dating back to the 12th century.
Over the centuries, many Jews risked their lives to protect Torah scrolls.
During the Soviet regime, when practicing Judaism was a real danger, Jews still preserved their Torahs. The Benminson family, who were denied permission to immigrate to Israel for 20 years, hid Torah scrolls in their home. When they were finally granted permission to immigrate to Israel, the grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov, clutched the scroll as if holding a child, determined to prevent it from being confiscated. After a long, tense journey, the Torah scroll arrived safely in Israel, becoming a powerful symbol of Jewish resilience and spiritual victory.
There are many other stories of Jewish activists smuggling religious items, including Torah scrolls, to enable celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah for “refuseniks” in the Soviet Union
Lag Ba'Omer
A Celebration of Light, Learning, and Unity
Lag BaOmer falls on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer (beginning from Passover) and marks the end of the mourning customs observed for the deaths of 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students. According to tradition, their deaths were a result of not showing proper respect for one another.
The holiday is celebrated around the world with a variety of unique customs that reflect the diverse cultures of Jewish communities.
In Israel, bonfires are lit to symbolize the light of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s Torah, and large pilgrimages take place in Meron, the site of his tomb.
Among Chabad communities worldwide, children’s parades are held, highlighting Jewish unity and the importance of Jewish education.
In Moroccan Jewish communities, people traditionally went outdoors to practice archery, symbolizing self-defense and commemorating the Bar Kokhba revolt.
In Ashkenazi communities, especially in Europe, special Torah study sessions were held on the night of Lag BaOmer, and the mourning practices of the Omer period, such as the prohibition of haircuts, were suspended.
Despite the differences in customs, all communities share joy, learning, and unity, reflecting the spirit of the holiday and reinforcing the values of mutual respect and rising above disagreements.
Passover
Passover is a central holiday in Judaism and is one of the three pilgrimage festivals (“Shalosh Regalim”) mentioned in the Torah.
The holiday is also called the Festival of Freedom and the Festival of Spring. On the first evening, families gather for the Seder - reading the Haggadah, which tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt, while children ask the “Four Questions.”
There are many customs associated with Passover, and each community celebrates it in its own unique way. On the last day of the holiday, the seventh day of Passover, North African communities celebrate Mimouna with joy and traditional foods. Some explain that this day is observed because during Passover, great care was taken not to eat at each other’s homes, and immediately after the holiday, families would host one another to show that this restriction was not born of animosity.
Despite the differences, all share the same core traditions: reading the Haggadah, eating matzah, and remembering the Exodus from Egypt. The diverse customs enrich the holiday and highlight the deep connection among Jews worldwide as one people.
Purim
Purim Around the World – A Celebration of Joy
The holiday of Purim, commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s decrees during the time of King Ahasuerus, is celebrated with great joy in Jewish communities worldwide, giving rise to many unique and creative customs.
Some of the special traditions that capture the spirit of the holiday include:
Djerba (Tunisia) - Two weeks before Purim, children of the community, accompanied by their teacher, went to the fields to collect the dish plant. From it, they lit a bonfire to burn a Haman effigy stuffed with sawdust, rags, and fire powder.
Thessaloniki (Greece) - In Jewish schools, a sugar Haman doll was hung from the classroom ceiling. When the teacher smashed it, the children eagerly rushed to collect the sweet pieces.
Frankfurt (Germany) - During the Megillah reading, two candles were lit: one for Haman and one for Zeresh. The candles were allowed to extinguish on their own, symbolizing Haman’s defeat.
Rome (Italy) - A special Purim dessert called “sweet pizza” is prepared, made with honey, almonds, and raisins, commemorating the miracle and adding to the festive joy.
These traditions remind us of the vibrant and diverse nature of Jewish culture and show how each community has brought Purim to life in its own unique way.
Tisha B’Av
A Day of Mourning and Hope
This day is observed by Jewish communities around the world through various mourning customs.
Tradition teaches that the Temple was destroyed because of baseless hatred, making the day a symbol of the aspiration for unity and unconditional love. Some specific and diverse customs include:
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In some Ashkenazi communities, people sit on the floor or on low chairs during the reading of the Book of Lamentations (Eicha) and the recitation of kinnot (lamentations), as a symbol of mourning.
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In Sephardic communities, Eicha is read on the night of Tisha B’Av, accompanied by traditional melodies for the kinnot.
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Kurdish Jews gave Tisha B’Av special significance, calling it Sahiyon Orova (the great fast of thirst). On the evening following Tisha B’Av, one Kurdish community traditionally slaughtered a cow purchased with funds collected from community members, distributing the meat among families - a practice reflecting communal spirit and unity, especially at the conclusion of the mourning period.
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In Tunisian Jewish communities, Tisha B’Av was called Nahar al-Ghin, and the days between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B’Av were referred to as Yamāt Tqal, meaning “the heavy days.”
Despite the differences in customs, all communities share mourning for the destruction, remembrance of the subsequent exile, and the hope for the rebuilding of the Temple and the return of the Jewish people to their land.
Shavuot
A Pilgrimage of Spirit and Tradition
Shavuot, also known as the “Feast of Harvest” and the “Day of Firstfruits,” is one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Shalosh Regalim) during which the ancient Israelites were commanded to travel to Jerusalem and bring their firstfruits (Bikkurim) to the Temple.
During the Second Temple period, pilgrims would walk long distances to Jerusalem, stay there throughout the holiday, and participate in festive offerings and ceremonies. Even after the destruction of the Temple, the tradition of pilgrimage endured in various forms.
Today, many continue to mark Shavuot with a spiritual journey to Jerusalem. Thousands gather at the Western Wall, especially for the night-long Torah study and early morning prayers - a modern echo of ancient devotion. In recent years, initiatives such as Chabad’s “Kiddusha Raba” project have brought new meaning to the day, with volunteers distributing food kits to the many pilgrims who come to the Wall.
The tradition of pilgrimage on Shavuot reflects the enduring connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. It is a living link to the past and a celebration of faith, heritage, and unity that continues to inspire generation after generation.
Jerusalem Day
The Journey to Jerusalem: A Dream Fulfilled
Jerusalem Day is a national holiday in Israel, celebrated on the 28th of Iyar, commemorating the reunification of the city of Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty on 28 Iyar 5727 (1967), following the battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.
On this day, Israel also officially marks Ethiopian Jewry Remembrance Day, honoring the Ethiopian Jews who perished on their journey to Israel, in recognition of their devotion and longing for Zion.
The Ethiopian Jewish community celebrates Jerusalem Day in its own unique way, combining joy with deep spirituality. Prayers in the synagogue extend throughout the day and include traditional liturgical poems (piyyutim) that reinforce the connection to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. Ethiopian Jews remember the long journey they undertook to reach Jerusalem and the fulfillment of their dream, while other communities may celebrate with modern ceremonies. They maintain ancient customs, including colorful dances and traditional songs.
One such story is that of Eli Girma, who immigrated to Israel during Operation Solomon in the early 1990s. At just 12 years old, Eli and his family undertook a harrowing journey from Ethiopia, crossing through Sudan and the desert, risking their lives for the chance to reach the Land of Israel.
When Eli finally arrived in Jerusalem, he was overwhelmed with emotion. “As soon as I arrived in Jerusalem, I felt that this was where everything I believe in exists,” he recalled. “I was full of excitement and gratitude for arriving in Jerusalem, the holy city.”
His story echoes the journey and dedication of Ethiopian Jews striving to reach Jerusalem - not merely as a place to live, but as a true home of spirit and identity.