Holidays

Holiday celebrations are also planned and led by students in partnership with Berkeley Hillel staff.

Holiday Information

Havdalah

marks the end of Shabbat. It is, therefore, a ceremony which is both melancholy and yet optimistic. Saddened by the passing of Shabbat, we look forward to the time when each day can be as special and holy as Shabbat. Clinging to Shabbat, we anticipate the work week with its creativity and satisfaction. Havdalah recognizes the separation of the peace of Shabbat and rush of the normal week, and as we sing Eliyahu Hanavi, we express a hope that Elijah will soon return with his message of a world of peace.

Rosh HaShanah

The day on which G-d created Man, Adam, G-d's final and most precious creation. Each Rosh HaShanah, the birthday of Mankind, we proclaim G-d as our one and true King. We then reaffirm our desire to serve him every moment of our lives. At this same time, G-d reviews the status of his creation and determines if he or she merits another year in this world.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is a day designed to bring Jews closer to G-d and encourages return to him through the process of Teshuvah. Though the Yom Kippur service was, during the times of the Temple, focused around the Kohen Gadol, today each individual focuses on himself and his personal Avodah, service to G-d.

Sukkot

Sukkot is a holiday rich in tradition and meaning. From the holding of the Lulav and etrog to the sitting in a Sukkah, the holiday is filled with symbolism to express our relationship to G-d. Sukkot comes just five short days following Yom Kippur. The timing is not accidental. Only after we have reached a new level of purity and atonement on Yom Kippur, can we then be truly joyous on Sukkot. Indeed, there is a special Mitzvah of Simcha, happiness, on Sukkot.

Simchat Torah

The holiday of Simchat Torah is a great invention of the Jewish People in their Exile. It celebrates the completion of and the beginning of the "Reading of the Torah."

Chanukah

The Holiday Of Lights - Celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem to holy service by the Maccabees after their successful struggle for independence and religious freedom against the Syrians (2nd century B.C.E.). Commemorated by lighting candles during each night.

Tu B'Shevat

Jewish Arbor Day. Celebration of new fruits and the land of Israel. No eulogies or daily prayers of mourning said. Some add special services.

Fast of Esther

Fast begins at first morning light. Commemorates the fast of Queen Esther in order to save the Jewish people of ancient Persia (Late 6th century B.C.E.), and the subsequent victory of the Jewish people over their enemies.

Purim

Commemorates the rescue of the Jewish people in ancient Persia (Late 6th century B.C.E.). Celebrated with feasts, special prayers, the reading of the Book of Esther, the sending of gifts from friend to friend, and extra charity.

Passover

Commemorates the Exodus of the Jewish people from ancient Egypt. Special dietary restrictions beginning the morning of the previous day. No foods containing fermented grain products - Chametz - may be consumed or found in any Jewish household. Special family meal - the "Seder" - conducted during the first evening in Israel and the first 2 evenings in the Diaspora. Memorial (Yizkor) services are said on 7th day in Israel, 8th day in the Diaspora.

Yom Hashoah

Holocaust Memorial Day - Special memorial prayers are said. Hillel has a reading of names for 24 hours.

Yom HaAztmaut

Israel Independence Day.

Shavuot 6 Sivan - Israel (6 & 7 In Diaspora)

Moses Recieves The Torah (Pentecost) - Celebrating G-d's giving of the Torah and Ten Commandments to the Jews at Mt. Sinai. Memorial (Yizkor) services said (on 2nd day in diaspora).

Fast of Tisha B'Av

Fast Day Lamenting Destruction of Temples - Fast begins prior to sunset and concludes at sunset of next day. Anniversary of the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, and other Jewish tragedies. Climax of three week mourning period and, within those weeks, of a more intense nine-day mourning period. Special mourning customs and prayers.

Elul

The month of repentance and personal reflection.