SABBATH HOLIDAYS CULTURE

PURIM “Puh-riim” early-late March

Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them in ancient Persia. The holiday is celebrated by reading the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther), giving gifts of food and drink to friends, giving charity to the poor, and participating in a festive meal.

what to expect: expect to see lively and colorful Purim celebrations, with people dressed up in costumes, dancing in the streets, and exchanging gifts of food and drink. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and many synagogues hold Purim parties and events for their congregants. Visitors should also expect to hear traditional Purim songs and chants.

PESACH “Peh-sack” late March-late April

8 DAYS what to expect:

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday is celebrated by refraining from eating any leavened products, such as bread and pasta, and instead eating matzah, an unleavened bread.

Preparations for Passover begin weeks in advance, with stores selling kosher for Passover food and household items. Many people deep clean their homes and cars, to get rid of any crumbs. As the holiday approaches, there is a tradition of burning chometz, or any leavened products that cannot be consumed during the holiday .People gather to burn any remaining chometz in a symbolic gesture of removing all traces of leavened products from their homes.

The most important part of Passover is the seder, a ritual feast that takes place on the first two nights of the holiday. Families gather for the seder, where they retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt through the night and eat traditional Passover foods such as matzah, bitter herbs, and charoset. During Passover, many businesses in Williamsburg are closed or operate on reduced hours, as people focus on observing the holiday and spending time with their families.

Passover is split into three parts: 2 days of a Sabbath -like holiday, followed by 4 intermediate days, were families celebrate by going on trips. Work can be done. It culminates with another 2 sabbatth-like days.