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Festivals Halacha: The Liturgical Year

Lesson 119 · הִלְכוֹת חַגִּים

Lesson 19 introduced the holidays as cultural events. This one covers the actual halacha: which days are biblical (Torah-mandated) vs rabbinic, what work is forbidden, what unique mitzvot belong to each. Israeli law mirrors halacha, public buses stop on Yom Kippur, kosher-for-Passover signs cover supermarkets in March-April, sukkot pop up everywhere in October.

Cultural note, In Israel, biblical festivals are 1 day; in the diaspora, 2 days (because in ancient times the new month was uncertain by the time messengers reached far places). The phrase "יוֹם טוֹב שֵׁנִי שֶׁל גָּלֻיּוֹת", "second day of festivals of exiles", is still used today. Olim from abroad sometimes keep both days for a few years; eventually most adopt the Israeli single day.

The Three Pilgrimage Festivals

Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim)

Rabbinic Festivals (D\'rabbanan)

Fast Days (Tzomot)

Special Mitzvot


Vayikra 23:1-4: The Festival Calendar

The opening of the festival list. The phrase "מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ" (sacred convocations) is the legal term for biblical festivals.

Avinu Malkeinu: High Holy Days Plea (excerpt)

Said throughout the 10 days of repentance and on Yom Kippur. The closing line is sung loudly by the entire congregation, one of the emotional peaks of the year.