Festivals: Practices in Britain and Elsewhere

Festivals: Practices in Britain and Elsewhere

Jewish Festivals and Practices: A Comparative Look at Britain and Other Regions

Passover (Pesach)

• Celebrated in early spring and lasts for eight days.
• Reminiscent of Jews’ exodus from Egypt and attainment of freedom from slavery.
• Seder meal typically marks the beginning of Passover, involving the telling of the exodus story.
• Specific foods are eaten and avoided, mainly the avoidance of leavened bread.

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)

• Marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar.
• Characterised by special prayers and blowing of the shofar in synagogue.
• Special foods like apples dipped in honey convey wishes for a sweet new year.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

• Considered most solemn Jewish holiday, observed with 25 hours of fasting and intensive prayer.
• Repentance and seeking forgiveness for sins committed during the year are key aspects.
• Generally observed similarly worldwide, with minor cultural variations.

Hanukkah

• Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend, Jews witnessed a miracle.
• Candle lighting on the menorah, special prayers, and food are common practises.
• In Britain and elsewhere, it’s often celebrated in public spaces, with large public menorah lightings.

Purim

• Celebrates the rescue of the Jewish people from a plot to kill them in ancient Persia, as outlined in the Book of Esther.
• Celebrations involve public readings of the Book of Esther, delivering gifts of food, donating to charity, and a festive meal. There is also a custom of wearing masks and costumes.
• While Purim is celebrated worldwide, it takes a particular significance and festivity level in Israel.

Note that all Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the day of the festival. This is because a ‘day’ in the Hebrew calendar begins at sunset.