Jewish holidays and celebrations may take place in the same date as those celebrated by other religions but they are unique in their own way. Most are based on ancient traditions still being followed by people loyal to Judaism and who wish to pass on their heritage to the younger generation.



?The New Year event for the Jews is termed Rosh Hashanah. This takes place in the seventh month of the Jewish calendar usually during the fall season. It is a time of celebration and recollection after completing another year.

?Yom Kippur refers to the Day of Atonement. This is considered traditionally as the day God seals the Books of Life and Death or the culmination of Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim). As the most solemn day in the Jewish occasions, this day is meant for repentance of sins.

?The Festival of Booths or Sukkot starts five days after the commencement of the Yom Kippur. Sukkot refers to the booths or huts which are supposedly the dwelling place of the Jews during this week-long event.

?Chanukah is the Festival of Lights in commemoration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This happens for eight days in the month of December.

?The Festival of Lots or Purim is another joyful celebration. This holiday marks the day the Jews were saved from an impending massacre during the Persian time. Gift giving to friends and the poor people is a highlight of this event.

?The Passover or Pesach celebrates the exodus of the Israelite slaves from Egypt. This is one of the ancient pilgrimage festivals marked by the Jews and the most celebrated holidays.

?Bar and Bat Mitzvah marks the rite of passage of a 13-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl. This is a birthday celebration that marks the entry of a young boy and girl into adulthood assuming adult responsibilities in their personal, social and religious life.

?Yom Ha?atzmaut celebrates Israel's independence. This happens on May 14 of each year not only in Israel but in other Jewish communities worldwide.

? Jewish weddings are also full of traditional rituals and joyous celebrations. This is a major occasion in a Jewish person's life with the family members and relatives in attendance. The couple receives many gifts for this celebration.

For all these important Jewish holidays and celebrations, there's an appropriate gift meant for that special people in your life. They can be religious items which are great reminders of your spiritual life or useful and personalized things that show one's sincerity and affection toward the recipient. Whatever you get, what's important is the thought that goes with the gift selection and giving.