Jewish Holidays

In these articles, Mishpacha presents a concise view on several central Jewish concepts, and their relevance for us today. We invite you to join in the discussion of these ideas and practices in our intimate, ongoing virtual communities.

The Sabbath

The real quality time. A look at the meaning of Sabbath rest, a guide to some traditions, and tips on making it fun for your kids. 

A guide to the Hebrew calendar

Why you can't tell the dates of the Jewish holidays without a scorecard.

Rosh Hashanah 

Like the alarm clock on the first day of school, Rosh Hashanah starts a new spiritual year with the blast of a ram's horn.

Yom Kippur

Once upon a time, Yom Kippur was the happiest day of the year. How to understand the Day of Atonement without guilt.

Sukkot

The richest holiday for the senses, Sukkot takes us outside to a world of plants and yellowjackets.

Simchat Torah

Sing and dance, to celebrate finishing a book we finished last year, too. Coming soon.

Chanukkah

You know we're going to tell you that it's not the Jewish Christmas. But did you hear the one about the elephant and Judah Macabbee? Coming soon.

Purim

The Jewish answer to Carnivale and Halloween. Coming soon.

Passover

Feast of freedom, or slave to ancient ritual? Matzah, Haggadah. and other not necessarily bitter herbs.

Yom Haatzmaut & Yom HaShoah

Israel Independence Day and Holocaust Memorial Day: The 20th century's gift to the Jewish calendar.

Other Mishpacha sections:

Jewish Beliefs
A very brief outline of Jewish thought
A Jewish Journey, Wrestling with God, Fixing the World, Gender Roles

Life Cycle
How Jews celebrate and observe life's passages
Birth, Circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Marriage, Death & Mourning

Parenting
How to raise a Jewish child
Shabbat, Holidays, Discipline, Activities, Mourning.

Community
How to find a place in your local Jewish community
Why connect? Choosing a place to live Connecting to schools, synagogues, JCCs; Mishpacha's on-line communities