Page 131 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

Torah.

Date: October, 14 days after the New Year.

Purim
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from
destruction. However, it is more a national than it is a religious holiday. In Purim, children as well as
grown-ups masquerade in costume and wear masks (like in Halloween) and take part in colorful, funny,
and happy street parades and street parties. In the evening, the young people hang out on the streets,
while private and public parties are held for a few days before, during, and after the exact date of the
holiday.
During this holiday, it is a tradition to send candy gifts to friends. “Oznei Haman”, which are sweet
triangular pastries traditionally filled with poppy seeds (or other fillings like dates or chocolate), is the
traditional food of this one-day holiday.

Date: around March.
Visitor Tip: The parade in the city of Holon (center of Israel) is the biggest and most famous of all.

Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is a popular and well-known holiday where Jews celebrate the victory of
the Hebrew independence over the Roman Empire in the Holy Land around 2000 years ago. The Jews
practice the lighting of the Menorah (Hebrew: hanukiah) candles, playing with a dreidel (Hebrew:
sevivon), and lots of kids’ songs. The holiday lasts for 8 days.

Date: late December.

There are a few other non-religious holidays, including Holocaust Memorial Day, Tu Bishvat, Lag
Baomer, and Summer Break. When traveling to Israel, be sure to plan your trips with all the holidays in
mind, as they can become a major obstacle in travel and purchasing food. Each year, most of the
holidays change dates, so be sure to check the current calendar for the exact dates of these holidays.

P2744#y1

The Seven Jewish Feast Days and their Prophetic Significance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiLbV5OgKFA

Let’s Practice…

1. What two seasons are recognized in Israel?

2. What is the climate like in Israel most of the year?

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