Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is a time of rejoicing and introspection. Our tradition tells us that Rosh Hashana is the anniversary of the day on which the world was created. Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashana, often by gathering together for family meals and attending Rosh Hashana services. Specific Rosh Hashana traditions include eating apples and honey and sounding the Shofar.

Yom Kippur means Day of Atonment in Hebrew. It is the most serious day of the year and according to Jewish tradition, and it is on this day that G-d seals the Book of Life and Death for the coming year. Even if that image is not one that resonates with you, the idea of taking an entire day to reflect on your actions and formulate a plan for improvement in the future is a worthwhile one.

Sukkot means “booths” or “huts” in Hebrew. It is a festival that commemorates the dwelling of the Israelites in huts during their 40 year journey in the desert. In ancient times, Sukkot celebrated the end of the autumn harvest and was a major pilgrimage festival. Gratitude, appreciation, and rejoicing are major themes of the holiday; in fact, it is referred to in the Torah as Zman Simchateinu, Our Time of Rejoicing. In keeping with the theme of temporary dwellings, Sukkot is also linked to ideas of shelter, transience, and nature.

Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights, that marks the victory of a small band of Jews called the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek Empire in second century BCE. During this time period, the Greeks sought to assimilate the people of Israel by forbidding Torah learning and Jewish practice. The Maccabees revolted and ultimately overpowered the Greeks and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Our tradition tells us that when the Jews attempted to rededicate the holy space by lighting the Temple menorah (Hanukkah means rededication in Hebrew), they found only one vial of pure oil. However, that small vial miraculously burned for eight days and nights. To commemorate and publicize this miracle, and the miracle of winning the war, our sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah.

Tu B’Shvat is the New Year for the trees, also known as “birthday” of all fruit trees. A minor festival that falls on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shvat (Tu stands for the letters ט tet and וvav which numerically make up 15), Tu B’Shvat helped ancient farmers calculate and fulfill several mitzvot in the Torah such as ma’aser (tithing of the fruit), and shemitah (the sabbatical year). The early Zionist movement viewed Tu B’Shvat as an important celebration of the effort to regrow and restore the land of Israel, and it has regained popularity in modern times. Today, people also recognize Tu B’Shvat as an important environmental and ecologically focused holiday.

Purim is a festive holiday celebrated on the 14th of Adar that commemorates the salvation of the Jews from the evil Haman’s intended genocide. The story of Purim is recounted in Megillat Esther, the Book of Esther. According to this story, Haman, royal vizier to King Achashverosh, plotted to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire. However, his plan was foiled by Mordechai, a Jewish leader, and his cousin Esther, who was also reigning queen. To commemorate the miraculous events, Purim (literally “Lots,” based on the lots Haman used to determine the date of genocide) was established by the Rabbis and is celebrated by dressing in costume, reading the Megillah, giving gifts to the poor, and having a festive meal.

Passover or Pesach is a festival of freedom, commemorating the Jewish People’s redemption from slavery in Egypt. Observance of Passover begins with a Seder, a special ceremonial meal that recounts our journey from slavery to freedom through stories, song, and ritual foods. Passover is also traditionally marked with abstention from chametz, leavened food.

Lag B’Omer is a minor Jewish holiday that occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer, the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot (Lag stands for the letters ל lamed and ג gimmel which numerically make up 33). Lag B’Omer serves as a festive break from the mourning period of the Omer and is usually marked by celebrations. Many have the custom of lighting bonfires, making weddings, and getting haircuts in honor of the holiday.

Shavuot is a major festival that celebrates the ancient spring harvest, and marks the day that G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Shavuot means “weeks” in Hebrew and is preceded by a seven-week period called the Omer which begins on Passover. During this time period, Jews across the world count each of the 49 days leading up to the holiday in preparation of receiving the Torah. Shavuot is a seminal holiday for the Jewish people, as the receiving of the Torah formally marks our covenant with G-d and establishment as a Jewish nation.