Jewish Holidays | 2018 – 5778
Celebrate the Jewish Holidays
JEWISH LIVING & LEARNING
Jewish Holidays | 2018 – 5778
Tu Bishvat is the Jewish Arbor Day . We celebrate the New Year of the trees and nature . In the 1700s , Jewish mystics began the custom of a Tu B ’ Shevat Seder , during which we eat a variety of fruits and nuts and drink four colors of grape juice representative of the four seasons . Many also plant trees on Tu Bishvat .
Purim is a celebration of Jewish continuity and peoplehood . We recall how Queen Esther and her Uncle Mordechai helped defeat the evil Haman ’ s ( boo !) plans to destroy the Jewish people . To acknowledge that Queen Esther originally hid her Jewish identity from King Ahashverosh , kids ( and adults , too ) dress in costume . It is also customary to make and enjoy hamentashen , delicious threecornered filled cookie . Did you know that Purim is the original gift giving holiday in the Jewish tradition ? One way to celebrate the holiday is to give gifts to friends and family , as well as those in need .
Pesach ( Passover ) commemorates the Israelites ’ experience of slavery in Egypt and celebrates the exodus to freedom . The holiday begins with the Seder , a festive and interactive experience that includes the retelling of the Passover story and a delicious meal . There are several foods that help to tell the story of slavery and redemption , including matzah , unleavened bread .
Yom Ha ’ Shoah , Holocaust Martyrs ’ and Heroes ’ Remembrance Day is a national day of commemoration , on which the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust are memorialized . It is a solemn day , and “ in Israel ,” places of entertainment are closed and memorial ceremonies are held throughout the country .
Yom Ha ’ Atzmaut is Israel ’ s Independence Day . Yom Ha ’ Atzmaut begins immediately as Yom HaZikaron , Israeli Remembrance Day ends . This year , we will celebrate Israel ’ s 70th birthday . Look out for information from the Weintraub Israel Center about festivities celebrating Israel .
Shavuot , means “ weeks ” and takes place seven weeks after Passover . Shavuot is a celebration of the receiving of the Ten Commandments and the agricultural wheat harvest . Today , Shavuot has also become a celebration of Jewish learning . It is customary to eat dairy and sweet treats because Israel is known as the “ land of milk and honey ” and because learning should be sweet !
Tisha B ’ Av , the 9th of Av , is said to be the day on which a number of disasters in Jewish history occurred , primarily the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylonians and the Second Temple by the Romans in Jerusalem . While some fast on this day , work and other reflective activities are permitted .
Tu B ’ Av , Tu B ’ Av , the 15th of Av , is the Jewish Day of Love . In ancient days , Tu B ’ Av marked the start of the grape harvest . While it is a festive day , Tu B ’ Av is a not a commonly known holiday . The gift of chocolate has become associated with love for many reasons . On Thursday , July 26 , from 4:00 – 5:30 , participate in a chocolate making workshop and learn about Jews on the chocolate trail . Advanced registration is requested .
Celebrate the Jewish Holidays
Tu Bishvat Tree-sure Hunt
Sunday , January 28 , Noon – 2 pm
Get ready for TuBishvat , the New Year for the trees ! Come by the Sculpture Garden at The J anytime between noon and 2 pm for a variety of Tu Bishvat themed activities . Complete all of the activities for a special prize . Free and Open to all , donation to the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona suggested . The Tucson J ’ s Sculpture Garden
Mishloach Manot Making
Sunday , February 18 , 1 – 3 pm See Page 10 for details .
Family Passover Cooking Class
Sunday , March 25 , 1 – 3 pm See Page 11 for details .
Make Your Own Seder Plate
Sunday , March 18 , 1 – 3 pm
Learn about the symbols we used to tell the Passover story and make your own Seder plate . We provide all of the materials you need . Following the session , each Seder plate will be fired in The J ’ s kiln and available for pick up in time for the first Seder ! Advanced reservations are required . $ 30 per Seder Plate Art Studio
NEW ! Sacred Aging Series
Inspired by Dr . Henry Koeffler ’ s abstract art show , 95 , which he began creating at the age of 91 , The J is proud to sponsor a series based around the idea of sacred aging . How does our life ’ s purpose change as we age ? How do we care for aging loved ones with dignity ? What unique mark do we want to leave on this world ? This series is for anyone wanting to explore these questions and more .
Arts Foundation Salon , January 18 for more information see page 5 Artist Workshop with Lynn Rae Lowe , January 24 for more information see page 7 Ethical Will Workshop , January 26 for more information see page 12 Caring for Aging Parents , February 5 for more information see page 12 What Happens When We Die ?, February 12 for more information see page 12
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