8 Traditional Festivals in Israel

Israel is a mostly Jewish country, so there are many Jewish adherents and there are many local Israeli festivals about this religion. In addition, Christianity and Islam also originated in this place. Therefore, this place is also a place where the three major religions developed together. Friends who like to learn religious culture must come here to play and participate in some festivals, so as to better understand the cultural connotation of these religions.

1. Rosh Hashanah

Time: The beginning of the Jewish year

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish calendar year. During the festival, the country will be closed for two days. The shofar is blown in the church, and the intention is to communicate with God, expecting God's blessing, and friends meet to say a happy New Year. According to tradition, people eat apples dipped in honey during the New Year, heralding a sweet new year. The male master of the family eats fish head at the main meal in the evening, which indicates that everything will be predominant in the new year.

2. Sukkot

Time: 3, Sukkot

This festival commemorates the life of living in a straw hut during the 40 years in Sinai after the Jewish patriarch Moses led the Jews out of Egypt. Since this festival is in time for the harvest season, it is also called the Harvest Festival. The construction of grass huts in every household is the main feature of the festival. The festival is celebrated for eight days. During this time, the IDF usually holds tank exhibitions at the Municipal Plaza in Tel Aviv.

3. Hanukkah (Candlelight)

Time: 5, Hanukah

A holiday commemorating the success of the Maccabi uprising against the Greek invaders and the freedom of the Jews. There are eight days in total, with two days off at the beginning and the end. The main ceremony is to light a candle every day. The candlestick with nine candle holders is specially made for this festival. Among them, the higher one in the middle is designed to ignite the other eight.

4. Pentecost Holiday of Weeks

Time: 12, Shavot (about May in the Gregorian calendar)

Pentecost is the forty-ninth day after the first day of Passover, about May in the Gregorian calendar. Pentecost begins when the barley is counted from the second night of Passover, and seven weeks (49 nights, 50 days later), when the barley is counted. The Jews were required to raise an om (the biblical unit of measure) of grain from the first harvest of barley and dedicate it to temple services. Counting how long Omer lasts - seven weeks (or Pentecost) - is where the festival's name comes from.

5. The Day of Atonement

Time: 2, Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the holiest and most important holiday in Judaism. Every year on the 10th day of the Jewish calendar, the 10th day after Rosh Hashanah, it is necessary to fast and pray on the festival day. During Yom Kippur, one day of fasting, prayer and contemplation in church. Yom Kippur ended with the melodious sound of the shofar in the evening.

6. Passover (Feast of Liberty)

Time: 7, Pessah

Passover is a very important traditional holiday in Israel. It is the three major festivals of Judaism together with Sukkot and Pentecost. The festival is celebrated for eight days, with two days off at the beginning and end. During the festival, the sale and consumption of fermented food is prohibited, and only a special kind of unleavened pancake called Matsa can be eaten. During Passover, there is basically no bread to buy in supermarkets. Almost all shops will be closed. The festival "middle day" Chol ha-Mo'ed is also a festival, but works if necessary. Many businesses only work half a day. Since schools are also closed during this period, most families also take this opportunity to go on vacation. Many tourist attractions are crowded.

7. Holocaust Remembrance Day

Time: end of April or beginning of May

Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel is held annually on the 27th of the Jewish calendar Nisan (late April or early May). On this day, the whole nation of Israel mourns the six million Jews who were brutally murdered by the Nazis and commemorates the Jewish heroes who bravely resisted the Nazi massacre. The reason why Remembrance Day is set on this day is also to commemorate the Great Uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto that occurred on the eve of Passover on April 19, 1943. Although Holocaust Remembrance Day is a normal weekday, please note that all restaurants and entertainment venues are closed from the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day until the following evening.

8. Purim

Time: 6, Purim

It is the most festive holiday in Jewish tradition. Purim is the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar (usually in March) and the day Haman scheduled the execution of all Jews in his conspiracy to commemorate and celebrate the Jewish victory in escaping genocide. Purim is celebrated one day in general Israeli cities and a day later in walled cities such as Jerusalem and Acre.

Israel is a country of religious strife, a nation merciful to God, with legendary Jewish traditions, ancient biblical miracles, laid-back seaside scenery and mysterious exoticism. Know when to travel to Israel, choose a time, and quickly plan your trip to Israel.