Descriptions of Jewish Holidays and Observances

Hannukah (Jewish)
The Festival of Rededication commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Seleucids (or Greeks) in the second century BCE.

Passover (Jewish)
This festival commemorates the children of Israel's exodus from Egypt.

Shavuot (Jewish)
The Festival of Weeks commemorates the
end of the seven-week period following the children of Israel's exodus from Egypt. On this date, Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

Sukkot (Jewish)
This fall Festival of Booths commemorates the children of Israel's wandering in the desert for 40 years and living in temporary dwellings or sukkot (booths).

Yom Kippur (Jewish)
This High Holy Day is also known as the Day of Atonement. It is the most holy day in the Jewish year and also includes a 24-hour fast.