Holidays

Hanukkiyah

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Written by: Erin Parfet
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As one of the oldest and most universally recognized symbols of Judaism, a menorah (“lamp” in Hebrew, “menorot” in the plural, and usually refers to oil lamps) serves as an ongoing symbol of the nation of Israel striving to be a “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). Menorahs are inclusive of the biblically commanded 7-branch menorah mentioned in Exodus 25, representing God’s eternal presence, though other variations of menorahs exist throughout different Jewish communities. The nine-branched menorah (“hanukkiyah”) is almost exclusively used for celebrating Chanukah.

Jerusalem Day

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Written by: Erin Parfet
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Yom Yerushaláyim, or Jerusalem Day, is one of four Israeli national holidays added to the calendar in the 20th century. Jerusalem Day is a jubilant occasion when the Israeli people triumphantly celebrate the reunification of East Jerusalem, including the Old City, with West Jerusalem after Jordanian occupation of the city, which ended with defiant Israeli victory in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Kol Nidre

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Written by: Erin Parfet
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"All vows, renunciations, promises, obligations, and oaths taken from this Day of Atonement till the next, may we attain them in peace; we regret them in advance. May we be absolved of them, may we be released from them, and may they be null and void and of no effect. May they not be binding upon us. Such vows shall not be considered vows; such renunciations, no renunciations; and such oaths, no oaths." (Translation adapted from the High Holy Day Prayer Book, edited by Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser)

Lag B’Omer

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Written by: Erin Parfet
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“Rejoice on this day... celebrate by singing praises to God from the book of Psalms, and not God forbid by lightheaded frivolity.” -Rabbi Shneur Zalman

“If you haven’t seen the joy of Lag B’Omer on the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, you haven’t seen joy at all.” Shmuel Yosef Agnon, Israeli author and Nobel Prize Laureate

Ma’oz Tzur

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Written by: Erin Parfet
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As one of the most popular Chanukah hymns and most well-known Jewish melodies, Ma’oz Tzur (“strong rock of my salvation” in English, with the name referencing the Hasmonean fortress of Beth Tzur) dates back to the Ashkenazi Jewish culture of the Crusades in the late 12th or possibly even early 13th century. The exact date is disputed.