iSavta | 14.09.2020

Following the joyous days of Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur. It will begin on the eve of September 27 and ends in the evening of September 28. This will be followed by another long high holiday called Sukkot.

 

Some jewish senior members of the family are very traditional. These holidays constitute a significant celebration among family and religious groups. This long holiday will start on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, a New Year based on the Jewish Calendar. 

 

But with the lockdown in place, many Jewish families are now wondering how they can celebrate the holidays together. Aside from the lockdown, there’s also a fear of the possibility of having someone with the virus and will start a spread within the family.

 

Although social distancing can be done as well as putting on a mask, the lockdown rule of limiting the movement by only 500 meters within your residence is quite difficult for even a small gathering.

 

Israel approved a lockdown that will run for 3 weeks starting on Friday, the eve of Rosh Hashanah. Although gathering of 10 people is allowed, only members of the family who are near to their loved ones can celebrate this holiday together.

 

Despite all the restrictions and lockdown, you can still prepare and celebrate the holidays with your loved ones by preparing what you need for these 3 Jewish celebrations; The Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

 

Rosh Hashanah - The Jewish New Year

 

This joyous celebration can still be achieved this year. You can prepare simple meals of Challah, Gourd, Dates, Apple, Honey Cake, Beats and Pomegranate. A quiet dinner with some of the closest family members is still possible as long as you are in line with the state orders.

 

Yom Kippur - A Day of Atonement

 

Considered as the highest and the holiest day, Yom Kippur is the day of fasting and self-reflection. The day is spent on prayer and supplication to begin a brand new year in clean slate. 

 

Sukkot - The Feast of the Tabernacles

 

Sukkot serves as a celebration of the fall harvest. It is to remember the long journey of Jewish people along Sinai before they’ve reached Israel. A sukkah will be built outside the house wherein family and friends get together to eat and drink.

 

Many of the elderly members of the Jewish community are looking forward to these holidays not just for religious reasons but to be with their loved ones. It is during this time that they gather their grandchildren and reminisce about the past by telling them stories, teach them some recipes or simply teach them family traditions that they may teach to their children in the future.

 

For whatever reason, the joy of Rosh Hashanah, the solemnity of Yom Kippur and the hope that Sukkot represents will forever be part of the Jewish tradition. No virus could ever stop the spirit of these holidays and it will be celebrated for another thousands of years from now.