CULTURE SABBATH HOLIDAYS

LAG BA’OMER early-late May 1DAY

Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday that falls on the 33rd day of the Omer, a period of mourning for thousands of Jewish students who died during this period between Passover and Shavuot.

what to expect: large bonfires being lit in public areas, with children and adults dancing and singing around them. Fire is seen as a symbol of light and spiritual illumination, and the bonfires are often seen as a representation of the light of Torah, which guides the Jewish people. The holiday also marks theday that these students stopped dying, as well as the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a renowned Jewish scholar, whose disciples lit bonfires to honor his memory and the light of his teachings. Today, the bonfires on Lag BaOmer symbolize the importance of passing down Jewish traditions and knowledge from one generation to the next.

SHAVUOS “Shah-vuh-os” mid May-early June 2 DAYS

Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Jews at Mount Sinai. It is celebrated 50 days after Passover and is traditionally marked by staying up late studying the Torah, eating dairy foods, and participating in festive prayers and services.

what to expect: see lively celebrations, with many synagogues holding special prayer services and Torah study sessions. The holiday is also marked by the custom of eating dairy foods, such as cheese blintzes and cheesecake, which symbolize the sweetness of Torah. and decorating with flowers. Visitors may also witness the reading of the Book of Ruth, which is traditionally read on Shavuot and recounts the story of a convert to Judaism who became the ancestor of King David.

TISHA B’AV“Tih-shah

Bi-ahv”

late July-early August 1

DAY what to expect: a somber atmosphere throughout the day. Many observant Jews refrain from eating, drinking, bathing, or engaging in any pleasurable activities on this day. The Book of Lamentations is read in a mournful tune and communal prayer services are held throughout the day, including a special evening service called Eicha.

Tisha B'Av is a Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies throughout Jewish history. It is a solemn day of mourning, marked by fasting, prayer, and the reading of the Book of Lamentations.