RITUAL SERIES
We celebrate holidays and lifecycle events throughout the Jewish calendar year, which have specific rituals that reinforce and enhance the understanding of our Jewish heritage and its traditions. Most of these rituals are those I saw being observed in my home or at synagogue.
Remembrance – Lighting candles honor memory.
Simchat Torah – Torah reading ends to begin anew.
Passover – We retell the Exodus journey to freedom.
Sukkot – Temporary homes, or sukkahs, remind us of wandering for 40 years.
Neilah – Yom Kippur closing service ends ten days of awe.
Jewish Wedding – The joyful simcha of all simchas joins bride and groom.
Hanukkah – Oil that lasted eight days is a miracle.
Shavuot – Moses receives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
Purim – Costumes recall the Story of Esther.
Tu B’shevat (New Trees) – A holiday is known as a Jewish Arbor Day.
Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel Independence Day—State of Israel—May 14, 1948.
Tzedukah – Acts of righteousness improve our world.
Shemini Atzeret – The Eighth Day or “extra day” prays for rain.
Mikvah Immersion – A personal renewal occurs when using the ritual bath.
Sabbath – The day of rest begins Friday at sunset.