Let us help you celebrate the Jewish Holy Days with a dazzling flower arrangement. Below we've listed a helpful list of the holy days and when there are.
Rosh Hashanah
Saturday, September 19, 2009 - Sunday, September 20, 2009 / 1-2 Tishrei
Festive celebration during which individuals contemplate past, present, and future actions. Traditional foods include round challah and apples with honey, symbolizing wholeness and sweetness for the New Year. Commences the Ten Days of Awe, which culminate on Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur
Monday, September 28, 2009 / 10 Tishrei
One of the holiest days of the Jewish year. Through fasting and prayer, Jews reflect upon their relationships with other people and with God, atoning for wrongdoings and failures to take right action. Ends at sunset with a blast of the shofar (ram's horn).
Sukkot
Saturday, October 3, 2009 - Friday, October 9, 2009 / 15-21 Tishrei
Seven-day holiday commemorating the fulfillment of God's promise to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land after forty years of wandering. Many people build a sukkah (booth), a temporary structure with a roof made of branches, modeled after the huts constructed in the desert. Also celebrated with the shaking of the lulav (assemblage of palm, willow and myrtle branches) and etrog (a lemon-like fruit).
Shemini Atzeret
Saturday, October 10, 2009 / 22 Tishrei
Celebrated the day after Sukkot and thus sometimes considered an extension of that holiday. Marks the first time tefillat geshem (prayer for rain) is recited during services, a practice that continues until Pesach.
Simchat Torah
Sunday, October 11, 2009 / 23 Tishrei
Celebrates the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle. After finishing the last sentence of the chapter Devarim (Deuteronomy), the Torah is joyously paraded seven times around the synagogue. The new cycle begins immediately with a reading from Bereshit (Genesis).
Chanukah
Saturday, December 12, 2009 - Saturday, December 19, 2009 / 25 Kislev - 2 Tevet
Eight-day holiday commemorating the Jewish victory over the Syrians and the miracle of the rededication of the Temple, when oil meant to last for one day burned for eight. Celebrated by lighting candles in a chanukiah (a nine-branched candelabrum), eating latkes (potato pancakes), playing with dreidels (spinning tops) and giving money or gifts.
Tu B'Shevat
Saturday, January 30, 2010 / 15 Shevat
Biblical in origin, a holiday that celebrates springtime renewal and growth. Traditions include eating fruit and planting trees.
Purim
Sunday, February 28, 2010 / 14 Adar
Joyous holiday commemorating the rescue of the Jews by Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai from the evil Haman. The story is read aloud and when Haman is mentioned in the Megillah (scroll) of Esther, people scream and turn groggers (noisemakers) to drown out his name. Traditions include parties, dances, mishloach manot (gift-giving), and eating hamentashen (three-cornered, fruit-filled pastries). Some also fast on the day before Purim to remember the three-day fast Esther requested of the Jews of Persia.
Pesach
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / 15-22 Nissan
Celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. At the Seder (service and festive meal), the Haggadah (collection of texts and commentaries on the Exodus) is read and symbolic foods are eaten. In remembrance of the departure of the Israelites, who could not wait for their bread to rise before fleeing, matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten for the eight days of Passover.
Yom HaAtzma'ut
Monday, April 19, 2010 / 5 Iyar
On May 14, 1948 Israel was declared an independent state. Many Jews world-wide celebrate with parades, festivals and donations to Jewish charities.
Shavuot
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 / 6-7 Sivan
Celebrated the day after Sefirat HaOmer ends to commemorate the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the spring harvest. Traditionally, Jews read the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth and eat dairy products. Religious school confirmation often takes place at this time.
Tisha B'Av
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 / 9 Av
Day of fasting and mourning commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, both of which took place on the ninth of Av. The Book of Lamentations is read, and some conduct services sitting on the floor.
Bedroom Flowers - Tea roses, freesias, peonies, and lilies, are all deliciously fragrant choices for a small arrangement on your nightstand.
Dining Room Flowers - Blending with the casual atmosphere of modern home entertaining, a centerpiece is sure to dazzle guests during afternoon brunch or informal dinners. Add candles to provide a refreshing combination using the elegance of flowers with the ambience of candlelight.
Entranceway/Foyer Flowers - Make a first impression with a large, abundant arrangement or for a friendly look, place a basket with a garden bouquet on the entry table.
Guest Bedroom Flowers - A small arrangement with a simple cluster of flowers is the perfect way to welcome a guest.
Home Office Flowers - Give yourself a "nature break" by keeping a flowering or green plant next to your computer station or fax machine.
Kitchen Flowers - Complementary flowers and colors brighten your kitchen and will start your day off with a smile.
