Holidays in Israel

Travelers who come to Israel , first of all, are eager to get acquainted with the cultural traditions of this country. An important role in this is played by Israel's holidays, which in their overwhelming majority are closely connected with religious canons and beliefs and are based on the events illuminated in the sacred books. There are also such holidays, which are connected with the tragic dates that occurred in the history of the Jewish people.

Features of the holidays in Israel

One of the main features of the Jewish holidays is that their dates are set according to the lunisolar calendar, for which the application of a special calculation system is characteristic. The beginning of the months necessarily falls on the new moon, on this basis, in each month there are 29-30 days. Therefore, the year formed from such months does not coincide with the "sunny", the difference is about 12 days. If we consider the 19-year cycle, then during its 7 years there is an additional month, which is called adar and includes 29 days.

Depending on how strictly the prohibition on the work is established, Israel holidays can be conditionally divided into the following categories:

1. Holidays, work in which is strictly prohibited - Shabbat and Yom Kippur .
2. No work is allowed except cooking - Rosh HaShanah , Shavuot , Simhat Torah , Pesach , Shmini Atzeret , Sukkot .
3. The days that fall between the Pesach and Sukkot holidays - only work that can not be done at another time is allowed.
4. Purim and Hanukkah - these are not recommended to do any business, but if necessary - it is possible.
5. Holidays that do not have the status of a commandment ( 15 Shvat and Lag Baomer ) - during these you can work.
6. Holidays, which are not forbidden to work - is Independence Day, Israel Heroes ' Day, Jerusalem Day , they symbolize certain memorable dates in the history of the Jewish people.

The Israeli holidays are characterized by such distinctive features:

1. The ban on work, which is established by religious norms.
2. It is customary to have fun (this does not apply to Yom Kippur posts and festivities). In the event that the date of the holiday coincided with a seven-day mourning for death, then it must be rescheduled the next day.
3. It is customary to have a meal, before which the blessing over the wine (kiddush) is pronounced.
4. A meeting of all members of the community is held with a view to holding a solemn ceremony.
5. The beginning of the holidays coincides with sunset, which the Jews symbolize the birth of a new day.
6. The precept of fun applies to all people regardless of sex, age, social status.

National Holidays in Israel

In Israel, many national holidays are celebrated, which are associated with one or another religious date. The most famous of them are:

1. Shabbat is celebrated every Saturday. This is due to religious beliefs that say that 6 days a week are meant for work, and the seventh day is for rest. On Saturday, it is strictly forbidden to prepare food, so this day eating is used, which was prepared on the eve of Friday and warmed up over low heat. If any post coincides with the Sabbath, it must be postponed the next day. There are festive meals, which are accompanied by a specially pronounced prayer - kiddush. On Saturday, candles are lit and smart clothes are dressed. Public organizations stop their work, and only taxi works from transport.
2. Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) - refers to the parade, coincides with the beginning of the new month. This day is also accompanied by festive meals, held with family and friends. A service is carried out, a feature of which is the ritual of chimneying into pipes. Work can only be performed by one that can not be postponed to another time, especially for women.
3. Posts - they are celebrated in memory of the destruction of the Temple and symbolize the sorrow of the Jewish people. These days it is customary to analyze their actions and ask for the forgiveness of sins.
4. Hanukkah is a holiday of candles. He tells of a miracle, when the Jews found oil in the Temple, which was supposed to remain for only one day. But in spite of this, the fire from the candles was enough for 8 days, so the celebration of Chanukah is accompanied by the lighting of candles for 8 days. In addition, there is a tradition to give gifts to children.
5. Purim - it is celebrated in memory of the salvation of Jews in the Persian kingdom. This is an extremely cheerful holiday, people drink wine, arrange meals, participate in theatrical productions and carnivals.
6. Passover is the Jewish Passover and the symbol of the coming of spring and renewal. Its duration is 7 days, during this period they eat matzo - these are flat cakes that are baked as a memory of the bread that Jews used when fleeing Egypt from the pharaoh.

Holidays in September in Israel

In the autumn period, many solemn dates are celebrated in Israel, and travelers who want to get acquainted with the customs of this country would be interested to know what holidays are in Israel in September? Among them you can list the following:

1. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, also known as the Feast of the Pipes in Israel, with its coming the days are counted in the coming year, it symbolizes the creation of the world. On this day it is customary for Jews to conduct a thorough analysis of their actions, since it is believed that in the new year the person will be rewarded in accordance with his affairs in the outgoing year. On this day, such a ritual, mentioned in the sacred scripture, is performed as a trumpet in the shofar (ram's horn), which symbolizes the need for repentance of sinners before God. On the festive table, there are necessarily such dishes: fish, which is a symbol of fertility, carrots, cut in circles - among Jews it is associated with gold coins, apples with honey - are put for a sweet life.
2. Yom Kippur - Judgment Day, in which the comprehension of sins takes place. He should be dedicated solely to the comprehension of the values ​​of life and his actions, the Jews ask forgiveness from others. The holiday is accompanied by a number of strict restrictions: you can not eat, wash and apply cosmetics on your face, drive, get into intimate relationships, talk on the mobile. On this day, there is no radio and television, no public transport.
3. Sukkot - a holiday that tells how after the exodus from Egypt, the Jews lived in booths. In memory of this, it is customary to leave your dwelling and settle in tents or booths, like the Jews during wanderings through the Sinai desert. Huts are installed by residents in front gardens, courtyards or on balconies. Another ritual is the proclamation of blessings to the four plants that are associated with certain species of the Jewish people.

Israel - May holidays

In May, Israel celebrates such memorable dates:

1. Israel Independence Day - this event took place on May 14, 1948 and is celebrated in honor of the creation of an independent state of Israel. This holiday is an exception among official non-working days, public transport rides on this day, there is no ban to get behind the wheel, so many prefer to spend it in nature. Also, the Israelis attend parades and festivities, which are held in large numbers throughout the country.
2. Day of Jerusalem - marks the reunification of Israel after 19 years it was divided into concrete walls and barbed wire.
3. Shavuot (in the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated as Pentecost) - symbolizes not only the date in religious history, but also the end of the season of agricultural work. In memory of the Jews returning from Mount Sinai and eating dairy products, such food prevails on the festive table.

Public Holidays in Israel

In addition to the Independence Day, the country celebrates such state holidays in Israel :

1. The Day of Catastrophe and Heroism is dedicated to 6 million Jews who suffered during the Second World War. In memory of them at 10 am on the territory of the whole state include a mourning siren.
2. Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers of Israel - is dedicated to Jews who died in the struggle for independence Israel. In their honor the funeral siren is turned on twice - at 8 pm and at 11 am, mourning rallies are held throughout the country.