Jewish Holidays
This holiday is celebrated by building temporary outdoor huts and eating meals inside them.
What is Sukkot?
Considered the central declaration of Jewish faith, this prayer begins with the words "Hear, O Israel."
What is the Shema?
This mitzvah requires placing a small parchment scroll containing verses of the Shema on the doorposts of Jewish homes.
What is a Mezuzah?
The Hebrew phrase translating to "Son/Daughter of the Commandment," marking a young person's status as a Jewish adult at age 12 or 13.
What is Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
He built a massive wooden ark to save his family and pairs of animals from a global flood.
Who is Noah?
This festive spring holiday features costumes, noisemakers called graggers, and triangular pastries called hamantaschen.
This blessing over wine or grape juice is recited on Shabbat and holiday evenings.
What is Kiddush?
The Jewish dietary laws that specify which foods are fit to eat according to Jewish tradition.
What is Kashrut (kosher)?
The wedding canopy under which a Jewish marriage ceremony takes place, symbolizing the couple's new home.
What is a Chuppah?
This famous patriarch was given a new name, Israel, after wrestling with a mysterious angel all night.
Who is Jacob?
Known as the Jewish New Year, this holiday is marked by dipping apples in honey and blowing the shofar.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Standing for "Eighteen," this core prayer is recited while standing facing Jerusalem and is also called the Tefillah.
What is the Amidah?
The Jewish concept of giving money or resources to help those in need, often translated as "charity" but literally meaning "righteousness."
What is Tzedakah?
The ritual immersion pool used for spiritual purification, conversion, and preparation for major lifecycle events.
What is a Mikveh?
This leader led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
Who is Moses?
This solemn day, known as the Day of Atonement, involves a 25-hour fast and is the holiest day of the Jewish year.
What is Yom Kippur?
This prayer of praise to God is traditionally recited by mourners, but also serves as a transition between sections of a service.
What is the Kaddish?
Small leather boxes containing Torah passages that are bound to the arm and head during weekday morning prayers.
What are Tefillin?
The traditional covenant ceremony for eight-day-old Jewish boys that includes circumcision and naming.
What is a Brit Milah (or Bris)?
This son of Jacob had a colorful coat, was sold into slavery by his brothers, and eventually became a powerful leader in Egypt.
Who is Joseph?
This harvest festival, celebrated seven weeks after Passover, marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
What is Shavuot?
Meaning "separation," this service features a braided candle, spices, and wine to mark the official end of Shabbat.
What is Havdalah?
The Hebrew phrase meaning "repairing the world," often used to describe social justice work and environmental action.
What is Tikkun Olam?
The seven-day traditional period of mourning observed by immediate family following the burial of a loved one.
What is Shiva?
These two sisters, the wives of Jacob, are recognized among the Matriarchs along with Sarah and Rebecca.
Who are Rachel and Leah?