Festivals

Jewish festivals play a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of the Jewish people, providing a rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, and historical significance. These celebrations, rooted in the ancient scriptures and historical events, serve to strengthen the bonds of the Jewish community and foster a deep connection with their heritage. Let's delve into some of the major Jewish festivals and the profound meaning they hold within our religion.

Chanukah - What, When & How

WHAT:

During the era of the 2nd Temple, the Greeks seized the Holy Land, desecrating the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem. Mattityahu and his sons, the Maccabees, rose against them. The Greeks, despite acknowledging the Torah's wisdom, banned Torah learning and Mitzvot, prompting the Maccabees to risk their lives for their faith. Beyond the military victory, despite the Greeks contaminating all Beit HaMikdash oil, the Maccabees discovered one jar, initially sufficient for a day, yet it miraculously burned for eight days. Chanukah's joy celebrates the cleansing of the temple, emphasizing the power of joy to dispel darkness. Adding candles each night symbolizes continuous dedication to Torah and Mitzvot, spreading holy light worldwide and anticipating Moshiach.

WHEN:

Chanukah is celebrated this year from the evening of Thursday December 7th (1st night and candle) - Thursday evening, December 14, 2023 when the 8th candle is lit. The candles are lit every evening - except for Friday - after sunset (Sydney, approximately: 8:00 pm) but can be lit from 6:30 pm onwards. On Friday afternoon the candles must be lit before Shabbat/lighting Shabbat Candles.

HOW:

1. The Menorah is placed at the window or in the doorpost (on the opposite side of the Mezuzah).

2. The candles or oil are placed in the Menorah from right to left, but are lit from left to right.

2. The following three blessings are said:

Hebrew Text

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר חֲנֻכָּה
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בִּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
(When lighting for the first time this year: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְּמַן הַזֶּה)

Transliteration

Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr kha-noo-kah
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm sheh-ah-sah nee-sim lah-ah-voh-tay-noo bah-yah-mim hah-haym biz-mahn hah-zeh
(When lighting for the first time this year: Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm sheh-heh-kheh-yah-noo veh-kee-mah-noo ve-hig-ee-yah-noo liz-mahn hah-zeh)

English Translation

Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
(When lighting for the first time this year: Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)

It is also customary to recite an addition to the daily prayers and the grace after meals, known as Al HaNissim.

Other customs include singing the traditional songs, frying up some delicious latkes or donuts and playing a fun game of dreidel. During Chanukkah it is customary to give gelt (money) to children, so that we can teach them to give some of it to charity—and just to keep things festive and happy. Some have the admirable custom of gelt-giving each weeknight of Chanukkah.

Purim - What, When & How

WHAT:

Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the miraculous saving of the Jewish people from Haman, a Persian Empire official who was planning to kill all the Jews in the empire, as recounted in the Megillah (Scroll) of Esther. Haman was the royal vizier to King Ahasuerus. The word Purim, comes from the word "Pur" which means lottery, Haman made a lottery to decide which month would be the one in which he would carry out his evil plans.

WHEN:

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar (and is celebrated on Adar II in Jewish leap years). This year, 2022, Purim begins at sunset, Wednesday, 16th of March and concludes at nightfall, Thursday, 17th of March.

HOW:

The Four Mitzvot of Purim are:

1. Exchanging gifts of food and drink known as Mishloach Manot.

2. Donating charity to the poor known as mattanot la-evyonim. One should donate at least the value of one meal.

3. Eating a celebratory meal known as a Seudat Purim, before the conclusion of Purim.

4. Public recitation ("reading of the megillah") of the Scroll of Esther, known as kriat ha-megillah, usually in synagogue.

It is also customary to recite an addition to the daily prayers and the grace after meals, known as Al HaNissim.

Other customs include wearing masks and costumes, public celebrations, eating hamantaschen ("Haman's pocket").

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Sukkot - What, When & How

WHAT:

Sukkot is a Torah-commanded holiday celebrated for seven days, beginning on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals on which those Israelites who could were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. The major Jewish festival commemorates the sheltering of the Israelites in the wilderness.

WHEN:

Jews celebrate Sukkot on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. It comes five days after Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.

This year, Sukkot starts after sunset on Friday, Sept. 29 and lasts until sunset on Friday, Oct. 6. In 2024, the holiday will begin on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 16 and ran through the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 23.

HOW:

Building a Sukkah:
- Construct a temporary dwelling called a Sukkah using natural materials like branches, leaves, and bamboo.
- The Sukkah should have a roof made of organic materials, allowing one to see the sky and stars.
Decorating the Sukkah:
- Adorn the Sukkah with decorations such as fruits, vegetables, and artwork.
- Hang symbolic items like paper chains, artwork, and images of the "Ushpizin" (guests) - biblical figures traditionally welcomed into the Sukkah.
Four Species (Arba Minim):
- Obtain the "Four Species" - Lulav (palm branch), Etrog (citron fruit), Myrtle (hadas), and Willow (aravah).
- Hold and shake the Four Species together in a specific ritual during prayers, symbolizing unity and harmony.
Holiday Meals in the Sukkah:
- Share festive meals with family and friends in the Sukkah.
- The Sukkah is a reminder of the temporary dwellings the Israelites lived in during their journey in the desert.
Recitation of Blessings:
- Say special blessings, including the Shehechiyanu blessing, to express gratitude for reaching the festival and the joy it brings.
Hakafot and Simchat Beit Hashoeva:
- Participate in Hakafot, joyous processions with the Four Species, often held in synagogues.
- Celebrate Simchat Beit Hashoeva, a festive water-drawing ceremony, symbolizing dependence on rain for agriculture.
Ushpizin - Welcoming Guests:
- Symbolically invite seven biblical guests into the Sukkah, one for each night, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David.
Joy and Celebration:
- Embrace the spirit of joy and celebration during Sukkot, as it is known as the "Season of Our Rejoicing."
Prayers and Torah Readings:
- Attend synagogue services with special prayers and Torah readings during Sukkot.
- Reflect on the themes of gratitude, humility, and dependence on God.
Hoshanah Rabbah:
- On the seventh day of Sukkot, participate in Hoshanah Rabbah, a day of special prayers and beating willow branches.