Torah Portion Calendar 2020
As a Jewish person, I have always been fascinated by the rich history and traditions of our culture. One of the most important aspects of our faith is the celebration of various festivals and holidays throughout the year. In this article, I will be discussing the Torah Portion Calendar for 2020, which outlines the events and festivals that we will be celebrating this year.
What is the Torah Portion Calendar?
The Torah Portion Calendar is a schedule of readings from the Torah, which is the Jewish Bible. Each week, we read a different portion of the Torah, which is divided into 54 sections. The calendar outlines which portion should be read each week, and also includes information about the holidays and festivals that fall within that week.
Events and Festivals in the Torah Portion Calendar 2020
Here is a list of the events and festivals that we will be celebrating in the Torah Portion Calendar for 2020:
- Passover – April 8-16, 2020
- Shavuot – May 28-30, 2020
- Rosh Hashanah – September 18-20, 2020
- Yom Kippur – September 27-28, 2020
- Sukkot – October 2-9, 2020
- Simchat Torah – October 10-11, 2020
- Chanukah – December 10-18, 2020
- Purim – February 25-26, 2021 (falls within the 2020-2021 Torah Portion Calendar)
As you can see, there are several important events and festivals that we will be celebrating throughout the year. Each of these holidays has its own unique traditions and customs, which I will be discussing in more detail below.
Passover
Passover, also known as Pesach, is a celebration of the Jewish people’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days, during which we refrain from eating leavened bread and instead eat matzah, which is unleavened bread. We also hold a Seder, which is a special meal that includes the retelling of the story of the Exodus.
Shavuot
Shavuot, also known as the Festival of Weeks, is a celebration of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is celebrated by reading the Ten Commandments and other portions of the Torah, as well as by eating dairy foods such as cheesecake and blintzes.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and is celebrated by attending synagogue services and blowing the shofar, which is a type of horn. It is also customary to eat apples dipped in honey, to symbolize our hope for a sweet new year.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, and is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is observed by fasting and attending synagogue services, and by asking forgiveness for any sins we may have committed over the past year.
Sukkot
Sukkot is a harvest festival, and is celebrated by building and dwelling in a sukkah, which is a temporary hut. It is also customary to shake the lulav and etrog, which are a palm frond and citrus fruit, respectively, as a symbol of our faith in God.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a celebration of the completion of the Torah reading cycle. It is celebrated by dancing with the Torah scrolls and reading the last portion of the Torah, as well as the first portion of the new cycle.
Chanukah
Chanukah is a celebration of the miracle of the oil, in which a small amount of oil lasted for eight days in the Temple. It is celebrated by lighting the menorah, which is a special candle holder with eight branches, and by eating foods fried in oil such as latkes and sufganiyot.
Purim
Purim is a celebration of the defeat of Haman, who had planned to exterminate the Jewish people. It is celebrated by reading the Megillah, which is the story of Purim, and by dressing up in costumes and giving gifts of food to friends and family.
Question and Answer Section
Q: Why do we read from the Torah every week?
A: Reading from the Torah each week is a way for us to connect with our history and traditions, and to learn more about our faith. It also helps to reinforce our sense of community and connection with other Jewish people around the world.
Q: Why do we eat matzah on Passover?
A: We eat matzah on Passover to remind us of the hasty departure from Egypt, when the Jewish people did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbol of humility and simplicity.
Q: Why do we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah?
A: Blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is a way to awaken our souls and remind us of our connection to God. It is also a way to signal the beginning of the High Holy Days.
FAQs
Q: How can I find out more about Jewish holidays and traditions?
A: There are many resources available online and in books that can help you learn more about Jewish holidays and traditions. You can also attend synagogue services and talk to your rabbi or other members of your community.
Q: Do I have to be Jewish to celebrate these holidays?
A: No, you do not have to be Jewish to celebrate these holidays. However, it is important to be respectful of the traditions and customs of the Jewish people.
In conclusion, the Torah Portion Calendar for 2020 includes several important events and festivals that are an integral part of Jewish culture and tradition. By learning more about these holidays and their significance, we can deepen our connection to our history and our faith.