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Jewish Holidays & Culture
Lesson 19 · חגים ותרבות
Israeli life revolves around the Hebrew calendar. Knowing the holidays, their greetings, and symbols is essential to integrate. Includes Shabbat, holy sites, and everyday Jewish life vocabulary.
Calendar: Major Holidays
Yom Tov, "good day" = holiday. On Yom Tov no work is done (like Shabbat). These are: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Pessach, Shavuot.
Minor Holidays (partially observed)
Holiday Greetings
Symbols & Holiday Objects
Shabbat Vocabulary
Shabbat, From Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Everything closes: public transit, shops, restaurants (except some in Tel Aviv). The country stops. Prepare everything before Friday 4 PM.
Holy Sites & Religion
Common Jewish Concepts
Holiday Phrases
More holidays: vocabulary, foods, songs
Pessach: Mah Nishtana (Four Questions)
Sung by the youngest child at the seder. Every Israeli kid learns this by age 5. The 4 questions about why this night is different.
Hanukkah: Maoz Tsur (excerpt)
Sung after lighting the candles. 13th century Ashkenazic hymn. First verse below.
Yom HaAtzmaut: Hatikva (National Anthem)
Israel's national anthem. Lyrics by Naftali Herz Imber (1878). Sung at every official ceremony.
Rosh Hashana: Apple in Honey Blessing
Said before dipping the apple in honey at the Rosh Hashana meal. Wishes for a sweet year.
Hanukkah: Sevivon Sov Sov Sov (children's song)
The dreidel song every Israeli child learns. Played while spinning the sevivon.