Page 112 - Biblical Backgrounds student textbook

tradition is asking one another for forgiveness for the sins of last year and wishing an easy fast (about
60% of Israelis fast on that day, most of them are not religious). Non-religious kids are pedaling bicycles
on the streets.

During the Day of Atonement, all of Israel has a rest day, all public and private services and businesses
are closed, including radio and TV, airports are closed. Public transport does not operate (trains, buses,
taxis), driving a private car is traditionally not allowed so do NOT plan on driving anywhere with your
rental on that day (you may see scarce emergency vehicles). Visitors are asked to please respect others
and refrain from eating or talking on your cellphone in public places.

Date: late September to early October, exactly 10 days after New Year.

Tabernacles
Tabernacles (Hebrew: Sukkot) is the time to remember how the Children of Israel walked for 40 years in
the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. A lot of Israelis, especially families with children, build a special
tent (Hebrew: sukka) where throughout the holiday period they eat meals, get together and play games
with their family and friends. The day after Sukkot is called Simchat Torah or Shemini Atzeret, when the
reading of the Torah starts from the beginning (and being read entirely during the course of one year).
It is also called The Feast of Ingathering. The holiday lasts for 7 days, followed by one day of Simchat
Torah.

Date: October, 14 days after New Year.

Purim
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in 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 famous of all.

Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is a popular and 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 holiday 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 exact dates of these holidays.

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