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The Jewish calendar is marked with a string of events that span the entire year
to give the Jewish community a number of days to celebrate. The festivals and
events in Israel, as in the other Jewish nations therefore include a variety of
occasions, each of which is observed by the Jews with an equal care and dedication.
Most of the festivals owe their origin to ancient episodes mentioned in the Bible.
For instance, the events preceding and following the Exodus often contribute to
the origin of several festivals, as the Jews observe the particular days to recount
the Biblical episodes. Some festivals again, have stemmed from certain time hallowed
customs which the Jews had been following since the ancient times. The festivals
and events in Israel are delightfully varied, giving the country a range of experiences
through the year. While some occasions stem from happy events, allowing the Jews
to celebrate with joy, some others are days to commemorate some tragic loss. Whatever
be the mood and custom involved, the festivals and events in Israel speak of a
rich cultural heritage and a distinct dedication which the community follows in
case of each occasion.
Rosh Hashanah in Israel: This day in September marks the New Year in
the Jewish calendar. With its own set of customs, the day is one for celebrating
the new beginning.
Fast of Gedaliah in Israel: The day marks the death of Gedaliah, the
appointed guardian of the Jewish race. As the day speaks of the degeneration
of the erstwhile Jews, it is spent today with a series of rituals to lament
the fall.
Yom Kippur in Israel: Yom Kippur, according to the Bible, is a day devoted
to the atonement of the sins done in the past year. As making amends is the
primary purpose of the day, fasts and strict customs form an inherent part of
it.
Sukkot in Israel: Sukkot in Israel is a happy occasion as the country
celebrates the time for traveling to Jerusalem to thank the Provider for a good
harvest. With a festive spirit in the air, the day is spent in feasts and celebrations.
Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah in Israel: closely following the Sukkot,
comes the Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, which marks the home coming of
the Jews from Jerusalem.
Hanukah in Israel: Hanukah is an eight day festival for rejoicing the
military and religious feats of the ancient Jews, and recounting the miracle
which saved the Jewish sanctity.
Tu B'Shevat in Israel: The festival is devoted to reshaping ones relation
with nature and acknowledging the natural bounty with which Israel has been
blessed. With feasts and forestry drives, the day bears a distinct flavor.
Fast of Esther in Israel: The day recounts the fats which Esther and
the Jews had held before a decisive battle with the Babylonian forces.
Purim in Israel: With its carnival spirit, the day is meant for celebrating
the historic victory of the Jews in the historic battle. With feats, public
performances, parades, and dances, the day stands as one of the happiest days
in the Jewish calendar.
Passover in Israel: The day celebrates the benevolence of God as he
passed over the Jewish houses before the Exodus and thus saved the Jewish race
from annihilation.
Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes'Remembrance Day in Israel: The day stands
as one of the saddest days in the Jewish history as it recounts the ruthless
murder of six million Jews in the Nazi reign.
Shavuot in Israel: The day preserves a tradition which the ancient Jews
had followed to celebrate the year's harvest.
17th of Tammuz in Israel: The 17th of Tammuz is one of the saddest days
in the Jewish calendar as it marks the five tragic events which led to the fall
of Jerusalem.
Ninth of Av in Israel: The day spells another tragic event for the Jews
as it marks the day when the ancient Jews were forbidden to enter Israel.
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