Jewish Holidays

In general, Jewish holidays serve to remind followers of important historical events, connect Jews to one another, allow for reflection, and ensure the continuation of traditions. Jewish holidays typically require that businesses, schools, and activities of a secular nature close or end about two hours before sunset on the eve of the holiday. The closures allow for Jews to prepare for the coming event. Many of the festivals and special days in Judaism require services in synagogue with special prayers and the adherence to restrictions from sunset on the eve of the holiday until sundown on the day of (or last day of) the festival, feast, or holy day. The time of year in which Jewish holidays occur is determined according to a lunar calendar. This means the actual date, as determined by a Gregorian calendar, changes every year since the lunar calendar is around eleven days shorter than the solar calendar.

One of the most important observances in Judaism is the Sabbath (Saturday), also referred to as Shabbat (meaning to cease, end, or rest). Shabbat is a holy day reserved for rest, remembrance, and spiritual enhancement. Jews follow important rituals and rules during their weekly observance of the Sabbath. Spending a significant amount of time in synagogue praying is an important part of Shabbat, as is abiding by restrictions, however the Sabbath is considered a joyful time for Jews marked by relaxation and celebration. The kind of activities that are prohibited on the Sabbath include performing any type of "work" that results in the creation of things or control over ones environment, such as baking, writing, building, and using electricity.

After the Sabbath, the most important holy days (referred to a High Holy Days) are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the Jewish New Year but is celebrated in a more solemn way that the secular festivities of the year change on January 1st. Yom Kippur, or "Day of Atonement", is considered the most important holiday. Even if Jews do not observe any of the regular Jewish customs or holidays, they will usually observe Yom Kippur. Passover, Shavout, and Sukkot (pilgrimage festivals) are also important events on the Jewish holiday calendar.