When you think of an American thirteen year olds birthday party what might come to your mind? A themed party with a color scheme, at a house or some new hip place to go have fun, with lots of cake, greasy pizza and presents. It's a day where the birthday boy or girl gets all of the attention on them, celebrating the day they were born, but in Israel they treat a 13th birthday for boys and the 12th for girls in a different way. One these days the girl or boy are becoming of age, and will now be held responsible for their own actions. During the ceremonies they read a portion of the Torah. After the ceremony a celebration party is thrown for the boy or girl.
As for the religious holidays, Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. Hanukkah is also know to many other people as the Festival of Lights and is started on the 25th day of Kislev on the Jewish calendar. It is an eight day celebration remembering the rededication of the Holy Temple. Each night of the eight days a candle is lit on a menorah while reciting blessings while lighting the candles. Foods are typically made with oil, a doughnut like food filled with jam is eaten, children play with dreidels, and also now receive gifts from their parents during these eight days.
It is great to be able to see these rituals and holidays being celebrated here in the United States, it opens up your eyes to a whole new perspective on how others celebrate life and special holidays while you are still able to celebrate your own.
References: "Hanukkah," Wikipedia. Last modified December 28, 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah
History.com, "Hanukkah." Accessed December 28, 2011, http://www.history.com/topics/hanukkah
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