“Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement”. Appropriately, people set aside this day to atone for sins they have committed. It is a day of prayer, fasting, and a time to attend the synagogue. Also, Jewish people will not work on this day. It is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar. During Yom Kippur, people seek forgiveness from God and seek to give and receive forgiveness and reconciliation with others.

Yom Kippur always occurs ten days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Did you know? Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are the only Jewish holidays that do not have roots in a historical religious event.

Today’s Chuckle: “Somebody just gave me a shower radio. Thanks a lot. Do you really want music in the shower? I guess there’s no better place to dance than a slick surface next to a glass door.” – – Jerry Seinfeld

Important Note: Many Jewish holidays begin at sunset. Some internet websites record these holidays on the first full day, while other sites state the date when it begins at sunset.

The joyous festival of Sukkot celebrates the forty years the Jewish people wandered through the desert after leaving Egypt. During this time, they lived in temporary shelters, called “Sukkahs”.

The holiday lasts seven days, beginning five days after Yom Kippur. During the first two days, no work is permitted.

A major symbol of this festive holiday is the “Sukkah”, the temporary dwelling in which the Jewish people lived while wandering through the desert. Traditional Jewish tradition requires that the Sukkah be built, decorated, and lived in during the week of Sukkot. It is used to eat and sleep in.

Did you know? The American Thanksgiving bears similarities to this festive holiday and shares some biblical roots.

Today’s Chuckle: “The human body is like a condominium. The thing that keeps you from really enjoying it is the maintenance.” – – Jerry Seinfeld

Important Note: Many Jewish holidays begin at sunset. Some internet websites record these holidays on the first full day, while others sites state the date when it begins at sunset.

Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year. In celebrating the New Year, Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world. It is also one of the holiest days of the Jewish year.

Did you know? Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are the only Jewish holidays that do not have roots in a historical religious event.

Today’s Chuckle: Why do Jewish mothers make great parole officers? They never let anyone finish a sentence.

Purim is a two-day event beginning at sundown on the fourteenth day of Adar, the twelve months of the Jewish calendar.

Every race and religion have solemn and festive holidays. Purim is the most festive of the Jewish holidays. Children dress in costumes and people give gifts. Usually, solemn synagogues are turned into festive arenas. Children shake noisemakers called “Graggers”.

The festive holiday centers around Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus (or Achashverosh), Mordechai, and Haman. The event took place in the Persian Empire in the fifth century, B.C. It is a celebration of a major victory against the oppression of the Jews at that time.

Today’s Chuckle: “I do benefits for all religions. I’d hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality.” – Bob Hope

Passover is the celebration of the freeing of the Jews from Egyptian rule around 3000 years ago. At the time, the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptian ruler Pharaoh Ramses II. God instructed Moses to go to the Pharaoh and ask for freedom for the Jews. According to the Bible, his plea of “Let my people go” was ignored despite Moses’ warning of punishment by God if the Israelites were not freed.

God then sent 10 terrible plagues upon the people of Egypt. Then, the Pharaoh conceded and freed the Jews who immediately fled Egypt. They fled without taking time to bake their dough. They took the dough and baked it into thin crackers in the hot desert sun. These crackers were called Matzoh. (Or Matzo)

To commemorate the freeing of the Jews, matzoh is eaten in place of bread during Passover.

Today’s Chuckle: What’s the difference between matzoh and cardboard?? The cardboard doesn’t leave crumbs on the rug.

Note: Some websites refer to the beginning of Passover as the date of the first full day. But, in reality, Passover begins at sundown on the dates above.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, (also called Chanukah and Hanukah) celebrates victory from Greek religious persecution. The Jewish victory was led by the Macabees in the year 167 B.C. Upon returning to the temple to rededicate it and relight the Menorah, the Macabees found only one small flask of oil, enough to light the Menorah for just one day. However, the flask of oil lasted eight days, Hence the celebration lasts eight days. This is also why it is called the Festival of Lights.

Chanukah is a happy and joyous festivity. There is no fasting no eulogies, and no sacrifice. Small gifts are given to family and friends each of the eight days of Chanukah.

Today’s Chuckle: “One Hanukkah, a Jewish husband said to his wife, “I think there’s something wrong with these latkes, dear. They taste awful.” His wife replied, “That shows you what you know. The recipe book says they’re delicious.”