Holidays in Israel - Traditions and Their Meaning
Holidays in Israel, a country with a rich history and culture, and holidays here play an important role in people's lives. For those who have recently arrived in Israel It is important to become familiar with the main holidays and the traditions that accompany them. These holidays are celebrated at the state level and are often accompanied by special rituals and ceremonies in which the entire country participates.
1. Holidays in Israel - Pesach (Easter) - 7 days
Meaning: Passover celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. During this time, Jews abstain from eating bread and other foods containing yeast in remembrance of the events of the Exodus. The main tradition is the Seder, a special meal where the story of liberation is told. Duration: The holiday lasts seven days, and in the diaspora - eight days.
2. Rosh Hashanah – 2 days
Meaning: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the ten days of repentance that culminate with Yom Kippur. On this day, the shofar (ritual horn) is blown and people spend time in prayer and contemplation of the future. Duration: Rosh Hashanah lasts two days and is usually celebrated in September or October.
3. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) - 1 day
Meaning: Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, when believers spend the day fasting and praying, seeking forgiveness for their sins. On this day, Israel All life comes to a standstill: transport doesn’t work and shops are closed. Duration: The Day of Atonement lasts one day and is accompanied by strict fasting.
4. Sukkot - 7 days
Meaning: Sukkot commemorates the time when the Jews lived in tents (sukkahs) during their wanderings in the desert after leaving EgyptMany families in Israel They build sukkahs in their yards or on balconies and spend time in them. Duration: Sukkot lasts for seven days, followed by Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, the day the Torah reading is completed.
5. Holidays in Israel - Hanukkah - 8 days
Meaning: Hanukkah, known as the "Festival of Lights," commemorates a miracle that occurred in ancient Israel when a small amount of oil burned in the Temple menorah for eight days. The holiday is marked by the lighting of the Hanukkah (menorah) and the eating of traditional foods such as doughnuts (sufganiyot). Duration: The festival lasts eight days, during which candles are lit every evening.
6. Purim - 1 day
Meaning: Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jews from the Persian genocide by Esther's intervention. People wear costumes, participate in carnivals, hand out candy, and read the Scroll of Esther. Duration: Purim is celebrated for one day and is one of the most joyful holidays in Israel.
7. Shavuot - 1 day
Meaning: Shavuot commemorates the day Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai. The holiday is associated with the tradition of studying the Torah and eating dairy products such as cheesecake and curds. Duration: The holiday lasts one day and is usually accompanied by night-time Torah study.
8. Other holidays:
- Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day) — The day when Israel celebrates its independence.
- Yom HaZikaron (Remembrance Day) — Day of Remembrance for Israeli soldiers who died in wars and terrorist attacks.
- Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) — Day dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
Conclusion
Holidays in Israel not only connect people to their religious roots, but also bring communities together. Whether you are new to Israel or just want to get to know the local traditions better, holidays here in Israel are a time to connect, celebrate, and reflect.