Destruction and Renewal
The “Three Weeks” and Tisha B’Av are designated as a time of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the galut (exile).
Love and Rebirth
Our sages proclaimed the 15th of Av as one of the happiest days of the year, when Jewish maidens would go out to dance, hoping to attract fitting suitors.
Yamim Nora'im (Days of Awe) or High Holy Days
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, form the High Holidays, also known as the Days of Awe. They are celebrated in the early fall and mark the start of the Jewish Year.
Jerusalem Under Siege
On Asarah B'Tevet, the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet, in the year 3336 from Creation (425 BCE), the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Asarah B'Tevet is observed as a day of fasting, mourning and repentance.
The New Year for Trees (Tu Bishvat)
The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees.
The Second Passover
Thirty days ago we cleaned our homes and souls of leaven, and matzahed our way through the week-long festival of Passover. And now, Pesach Sheni—a second Passover experience!