ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Jewish holidays

Hey there little one! So, Jewish holidays are special times for Jewish people to remember important events in their history and to celebrate with their families and friends.

One of the most well-known Jewish holidays is called Passover. It is celebrated in the springtime and lasts for seven or eight days. Passover celebrates the Jewish people's freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt. During Passover, Jewish people eat special foods like matzah (unleavened bread) and participate in a special meal called a Seder.

Another Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. It usually takes place in the fall, and it is a time for reflection and repentance. It's kind of like a chance for people to take a look back at the past year and think about how they can be better in the coming year. During Rosh Hashanah, people often go to synagogue (a Jewish place of worship) and listen to the sounding of the shofar (a special trumpet made from an animal's horn).

One more holiday to tell you about is Hanukkah. It lasts for eight nights and usually happens in December. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. A big part of Hanukkah is lighting candles on a special candelabrum called a menorah. There's also usually lots of yummy food involved, like latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly donuts!

So, there you have it! Jewish holidays are special times for Jewish people to celebrate their history and traditions with their loved ones. Each holiday has its own unique story and traditions, but they all involve spending time with family, friends, and community.