Jewish Holidays and Festivals
“Day follows day with wearisome monotony. Only the holidays twine themselves together to form the circle of the year. Only through holidays does life experience the eternity of the river that returns to its sources. Then life becomes eternal.” — Franz Rosensweig (1886-1929)
“You shall rejoice in your festivals and shall be altogether joyful.” — Deuteronomy 16:14-15
In Judaism, life is marked by numerous special days in which adherents take time out of their everyday lives to stop work and focus on God and his mitzvot (commandments), including Sabbath services and holidays.
The history of Judaism is full of incredible stories, which, according to the Hebrew Bible, are important for Jews of all generations to remember. Because the purpose of most of the holidays and festivals in Judaism is to recall God's work in history, they are one of the most important aspects of the Jewish faith.
Observing holidays and festivals also has important social outcomes. They help to keep tradition alive, contribute to a sense of community and belonging, and ensure regular reflection and celebration.
The most important Jewish holy days are the Sabbath, the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot) and the two High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur). For observant Jews, it is forbidden to work on any of these days.