Ancient religious rituals woven with modern tradition enrich the tapestry of life and worship. During the Jewish festival of Rosh Ha-Shanah (New Year), the sounds of the shofar, that cultural ritual instrument of ancient and modern Jews, call for reflection over the past year. Such personal introspection leads to remembrance of the Creator and inspires a commitment to spiritual improvement over the next twelve months. The haunting sounds of the shofar are heard again at Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This time misdeeds, latent or carefully forgotten, are unearthed and openly confessed. It is a solemn time; a time of purification"ablution and absolution"a time to honor a holy God. The Festival of Hanukkah commemorates a highly significant event in the history of ancient Israel. In the second century B.C.E. as Jerusalem found itself in the middle of a power struggle between Egypt and Syria, the Second Temple became the venue of a despicable act.

To learn more about the details of these significant festivals, click the links below.

Jewish Festivals

• Rosh Ha-Shanah

• Yom Kippur

• Hanukkah