The Jews undoubtedly form a part of the oldest civilization known to man. Their culture is as unique as their faith and often based on the various events in history that is centered on their faith. So what are some of the major Jewish holidays?
The Hebrew Bible notes down a few days as important for the Jews.
These include:
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Contrary to public opinion, a boy or girl does not ‘have' a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but ‘becomes' one. The word is literary translated as a ‘son/ daughter of commandment. Thus when a boy becomes 13 years of age, he is known to be a grown man, and is known to have full rights. The ceremony is marked by the boy reading the Torah- one of the holy books of the Jews. On the other hand, a girl who turns 12 is known to become a Bat Mitzvah. She is known to become an adult and hence responsible. Both Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations are held with aplomb by parents. The boy or girl, are surrounded by gifts that include Jewish jewelry, religious books, to even iPods and iPhones.
Hanukkah: Also called Chanukah, this is a festival of lights and falls around Christmas. Around 165 B.C. the Greeks who oppressed the Jews were overthrown by a few Jews and the Holy Temple of Jerusalem was rededicated. At the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left to light the menorah, whereas the lamp had to remain lit continuously. Miraculously, the lamp remained lit for eight days, until more oil was got. Thus, the Jews celebrate this by lighting candles on the menorah or a candelabrum. Nine candles are lit on the candelabrum and a shamus at a different height. The Jews also celebrate this day by eating fried food. It is very common for people to give gifts to the younger members of their family. These gifts range from small amounts of money, to even Hebrew jewelry.
Shabbat: God, the Jews believe rested on the seventh day, after creating the Universe. Thus Shabbat is the day of rest and is observed from sundown on Friday, to sundown on Saturday. Thus the Jews refrain from doing any work, or any other form of physical activity. The book of Genesis prohibits Jews from performing 39 forms of activity, including cooking and baking. But the Torah requires Jews to violate the Shabbat during times of emergency.
Purim:
This is celebrated to commemorate the salvation of Jews from Haman. This is a national holiday in Israel and includes presenting one another with gifts including Israeli jewelry and even snacks.
Most of these gifts can be purchased online through the several stores selling Jewish jewelry and other items.
The Hebrew Bible notes down a few days as important for the Jews.
These include:
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Contrary to public opinion, a boy or girl does not ‘have' a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but ‘becomes' one. The word is literary translated as a ‘son/ daughter of commandment. Thus when a boy becomes 13 years of age, he is known to be a grown man, and is known to have full rights. The ceremony is marked by the boy reading the Torah- one of the holy books of the Jews. On the other hand, a girl who turns 12 is known to become a Bat Mitzvah. She is known to become an adult and hence responsible. Both Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations are held with aplomb by parents. The boy or girl, are surrounded by gifts that include Jewish jewelry, religious books, to even iPods and iPhones.
Hanukkah: Also called Chanukah, this is a festival of lights and falls around Christmas. Around 165 B.C. the Greeks who oppressed the Jews were overthrown by a few Jews and the Holy Temple of Jerusalem was rededicated. At the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left to light the menorah, whereas the lamp had to remain lit continuously. Miraculously, the lamp remained lit for eight days, until more oil was got. Thus, the Jews celebrate this by lighting candles on the menorah or a candelabrum. Nine candles are lit on the candelabrum and a shamus at a different height. The Jews also celebrate this day by eating fried food. It is very common for people to give gifts to the younger members of their family. These gifts range from small amounts of money, to even Hebrew jewelry.
Shabbat: God, the Jews believe rested on the seventh day, after creating the Universe. Thus Shabbat is the day of rest and is observed from sundown on Friday, to sundown on Saturday. Thus the Jews refrain from doing any work, or any other form of physical activity. The book of Genesis prohibits Jews from performing 39 forms of activity, including cooking and baking. But the Torah requires Jews to violate the Shabbat during times of emergency.
Purim:
This is celebrated to commemorate the salvation of Jews from Haman. This is a national holiday in Israel and includes presenting one another with gifts including Israeli jewelry and even snacks.
Most of these gifts can be purchased online through the several stores selling Jewish jewelry and other items.
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