Hillel is your go-to place for information about Jewish Holidays, Shabbat, Havdalah, how to celebrate or observe them, and links to local events when they are taking place! Explore the links below to learn more or reach out to us if you don’t find what you are looking for.
Shabbat
A weekly 25-hour observance, from just before sundown each Friday through the completion of nightfall on Saturday, Shabbat is more than just a day off from labor. It is a day of physical and spiritual delights that is meant to illuminate certain key concepts in the traditional Jewish perception of the world. Some people observe Shabbat at home with family and friends by eating a meal (dinner) together and others attend services at their local synagogues. Traditionally, it is a time to unwind, unplug, and recharge for the week ahead. For more information about how to observe Shabbat go here.
What are Shabbat Candles? ● Blessing for Shabbat Candles ● When should I light Shabbat Candles? ● Weekly Torah Portion
Havdalah
At the end of Shabbat, when three stars appear, it is time for the brief ceremony of Havdalah (literally, separation or distinction), at which time we take leave of Shabbat. Our rabbis teach that on Shabbat, we are given an extra soul. At Havdalah we relinquish that extra soul, but hope that the sweetness and holiness of the day will remain with us during the week. We take a cup of wine, a box of spices and a beautiful braided Havdalah candle, and we sing or recite the blessings.
Havdalah Blessings (Video) ● More about Havdalah ● What do I need to “do” Havdalah?
passover
The eight-day holiday of Passover is typically celebrated in the early spring. This year it is from March 27 - April 4, 2021. Passover (Pesach) commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach is observed by avoiding leavened foods like bread, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus. In Hebrew it is known as Pesach (which means “to pass over”), because G‑d passed over the Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian firstborn on the very first Passover eve.
The Full Story of Passover ● How to Celebrate Passover ● The Haggadah: What is it and how to use it! ● More Resources
Sukkot Resources
Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the miraculous protection G‑d provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt. We celebrate Sukkot by dwelling in a foliage-covered booth (known as a sukkah) and by taking the “Four Kinds” (arba minim), four special species of vegetation.
What is Sukkot?
Not sure what the heck Sukkot even is or how to celebrate it? Check out Chabad.org’s extensive information about what Sukkot is, how to celebrate, and what to do!
Sukkot Holiday Cards
Send friends and family a warm Sukkot greeting to wish them a healthy and happy new year!
DIY Sukkot Decorations
We know sometimes it can be difficult to take part in all of the festivities surrounding Sukkot when you don’t have your own space to make a sukkah. We put together a little guide with some of the best DIY projects to help you decorate your Hillel's sukkah, dorm room, or whatever space you’ll be in for the holiday. Get festive and enjoy!
Sukkot Coloring Book for All Ages!
Coloring is a great way to quiet your mind and it’s pretty fun for people of all ages! Haggadot.com created a special Sukkot coloring book to help you celebrate the holiday and maybe even give you a few things to hang up on the fridge or in your very own sukkah.
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah Resources
Following the seven joyous days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
What is Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah?
Read up on all the basics of this important Jewish Holiday!