Learning about and observing Jewish holidays is a major part of Hillel of San Diego’s mission in serving students. It’s a great way to actively take part in Jewish life, sometimes in new and unexpected ways. At SDSU, we create unique opportunities based on our campus and student population for all holidays that fall during the academic year. For more detailed information on each holiday, you can check out the following great website www.myjewishlearning.com but in the meantime, here’s a short comment about each one.
Shabbat- The Sabbath, celebrated weekly from sundown on Friday night until sundown on Saturday night. Check out Hillel’s Shabbat schedule under the Calendar heading.
Rosh Hashanah-The Jewish new year. Check back for details on celebrating Rosh Hashanah on campus. Services will be held on campus at SDSU.
Yom Kippur-Day of atonement. Check back for details on observing Yom Kippur on campus.
Sukkot-A week-long fall festival that recalls the Israelites wandering in the desert. Watch for info on where the Sukkah will be built on campus.
Simchat Torah-A celebration of the conclusion of one and beginning of another annual cycle of readings from the Torah.
Chanukah-The festival of lights
Tu B’Shvat-The new year of the trees (our Jewish arbor day!)
Purim-A joyous holiday recounting the saving of Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period
Passover-The great liberation festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt
Yom HaShoah-Holocaust remembrance day
Yom Hazikaron-Israel’s memorial day
Yom Ha’atzmaut-Israel Independence Day
Lag B’Omer-The 33rd day of the omer, that period between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. It’s one happy day during a generally sad period.
Shavuot-It began as a harvest festival, but also commemorates the revelation at Sinai and the giving of the Torah
Rosh Chodesh-The monthly celebration of the new moon, celebrated as a women’s holiday