Arts and Culture

Jewish Calendar 101

January - March 2022 | Tevet - Nissan 5782*

*Holidays begin at sundown on the evening before and conclude at sundown on the noted day.

Tu B'Shevat

January 17 | 15 Shevat

Also known as the New Year of the Trees because it was used for calculating the age of trees for tithing. The Torah teaches that fruit from a tree may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year’s fruit is for G-d, and after this, the fruit can be eaten. It is customary to eat a new fruit on this holiday or to eat from the Seven Species (shivat haminim) that are abundant in Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Some people also plant trees on this day. Tu B’Shevat began as a minor holiday marked by a festive meal and it has grown into the a modern Jewish Earth Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate our sense of environmental responsibility and Jewish tradition. Come celebrate this holiday at the JCC. See details on page 27. Fast of Esther

March 16 | 13 Adar II

This fast, also called Ta’anit Esther, is a fast from dawn until dusk on Purim eve, commemorating the three-day fast observed by the Jewish people in the story of Purim.

Purim

March 17 | 14 Adar II

This jolly festivity commemorates the defeat of Haman’s plot, the prime minister of King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire. During 357 BCE, Haman planned to massacre the Jews, as recorded in the book of Esther in the Torah. The Jews were saved by the heroic Queen Esther, who married the king. When Ahasueros discovers that his wife Esther is Jewish, he decides to reverse Haman’s decree, and instead of the Jews being killed, Haman, his sons, and other enemies are killed instead. We celebrate dressing up in costume, some people choose to dress as characters from the Purim story. It is a mitzvah (commandment) to listen to the story of Purim – chanted from Megillat Esther (The Scroll of Esther). We also send mishloach manot, packages of treats and goodies to friends, family, and people in need. A traditional cookie called hamentaschen is enjoyed, which our Golden Age (seniors) group at the JCC bake every year!

Shushan Purim

March 18 | 15 Adar II

The battles fought between the Jews and their enemies throughout the Persian empire took place on Adar 13. The Jews rested and celebrated the victory on the following day – Adar 14. In the capital of the empire, the city of Shushan, however, there were a greater number of Jew-haters, so the fighting continued for two days: 13 and 14 Adar. The victory celebrations in Shushan were thus held on 15 Adar.

Sources: myjewishlearning.org and chabad.org.

CeLebrate the Jewish Holidays at the JCC!

Tu B’Shevat Terrarium Workshop

Wednesday, January 12 | 7:00 - 8:30pm

Celebrate the holiday of plants by creating your own low maintenance mini garden. Facilitated by Danielle Braitman. $18 Members & Public • Code: 8498

Food for the Soul: Tu B’Shevat Seder

Sunday, January 16 | 12:00pm

Join JCC, Kesher, and Calgary Jewish Federation Inclusion for a beautiful Tu B’Shevat Seder, including lunch, with Morah Jonah Potasznik. $10 per person, $5 per child. Reserve your spot by email to karinas@jewishcalgary.org.

Exploring Adar: From Darkness to Light Painting Workshop

Sunday, February 13 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Adar is known both as the month of darkness and a time of good fortune. Enjoy learning about this complex month while exploring your own duality through art. $18 Members & Public • Code: 8499

JCC Purim Puppet Show

Friday, March 18 | 11:00am

The JCC Childcare and Arts & Culture departments are cohosting a festive puppet show along with face painting and hamantaschen tasting. Please join us for this FREE event!

For more information contact Danielle Braitman 4o3-444-3146 • dbraitman@jewishcalgary.org

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