What are the High Holidays? | Jewish Holidays | Orthodox Jewish Mom (Jar of Fireflies)

In this video I will talk about what the High Holidays are, when they are this year, and briefly how we commemorate / celebrate each one. For more information on the Jewish High Holidays, check out these videos below:
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What is Yom Kippur? + My Yom Kippur Fast 2020
• My Yom Kippur Fast 202...
What is Sukkot? + Decorating the Sukkah
• What is Sukkot? + Deco...
Getting Ready for Sukkot DITL
• Orthodox Jew Prepares ...
Sukkot 2020 Chol Hamoed
• Sukkot 2020 Chol Hamoe...
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• My Orthodox Jewish Lif...
Hello and welcome! My name is Chana, I’m married to my best friend, and we have four wonderful children together. We also happen to be Orthodox Jews and we homeschool our kids. This video is a sneak peek into our daily lives :) You can see how this particular Jewish homeschool mom sets up her days, rolls with the punches, and gets it all done. Thanks for watching!
Why I chose the name Jar of Fireflies:
• Answering Your Questio...
#jewishlife #jewishholidays #highholidays #jewishlife
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[@jaroffireflies]

Hope you are all having a fantastic week!!!

[@mastljn]

You are not even allowed to sip water on Yom Kippur? From what you have said before, a person could drink water if there is a medical reason, being very young, or old?

[@jaroffireflies]

@@mastljn if you have a medical necessity that is different. Life always comes first and no one’s health would be put in jeopardy for the fast.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh and children don’t fast. Only after the age of bar or bat mitzvah (12 or 13) does one start fasting.

[@lisastess3447]

I am having a fantastic week and hope you and your family are too!! A few days ago I had my yearly mammogram and when I saw my primary doctor yesterday, he told me that there was no cancer! That was the best news to hear, because last year they saw something in my right breast and had to get that side done over again. Thank goodness it was only dense breast tissue. I love your purple scarf and it looks beautiful on you. Purple is my favorite color and it the same color as my birthstone. I love celebrating the High Holy Days and they can get overwhelming, but it is worth it. Shana Tova and all my love to you and your family! 💜💜💜💜

[@jaroffireflies]

@@lisastess3447 That is amazing news!

[@elysemurray9776]

That purple scarf looks beautiful on you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much 😊

[@roseyc.5846]

I agree..love the purple scarf! 🤗

[@FennecTheRabbit]

Oh agreed. The purple is beautiful.

[@hannahfarley]

I 3rd this!!! It really brings out your eyes. Beautiful ❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Y’all are all so sweet 😊 Thank you ❤️

[@Kiki-D-Kimono]

How fitting! I include all the major holidays of holidays inmy calendar- I work In a nursing home. Today i was asked what Rosh Hashanah was, and got to explain. I miss working In a Orthodox Jewish community, especially for the Sukkah. I loved helping to decorate it!

[@jaroffireflies]

Love that!

[@LurkerSmurf]

Yes, the HHD can get overwhelming! I always end up crying on Yom Kippur too. This is our first year having services in person since 2019, so we'll see how that goes.

[@jaroffireflies]

How wonderful to be back in person! I’m sure it will be emotional.

[@artcuriousbymnw]

Hi Channa, short and to the point! Usually we know that suka time is also first rain time, and we are expecting highly this one. Shana tova! All my love❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

After our dry summer I’ll be looking forward to more rain here too :)

[@marciaboucher8346]

I also cry on Yom Kipper. As the ark closes at the end of Neelah, its almost like being severed from the presence of Hashem. You can feel his spirit around the shul as the day progresses. I feel this day recharges me, we are so close to our father on this day. These days, The Season of Awe is my favorite holiday season.

[@roseyc.5846]

Good morning, Chana: I grew up not knowing anything, really, about the high holidays (or Judaism) until I entered high school. It was then that, through other students I met, that I felt a strong connection to Judaism. Your high holidays are so beautiful and reverent, especially Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Pesach. I'm going back to watch the other videos. I absolutely love the education, as I may know a bit more than the average non-Jewish person, but, I'm always eager to keep on learning. TFS! Shabbat Shalom, and, many blessings to you and your family. Rosemarie 💖 🙏🏻 ✡️

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Rosemarie! Enjoy the holiday videos 💜 and have a wonderful weekend!

[@devorahfonn613]

Hope you had a wonderful week...Really looking forward to all the chaggim... my in laws are coming to vist us here in Israel for Sukkot and for the week after,it will be their first time in Israel..So really looking forward to them..I agree with how you feel on Yom Kippur...it's such spiritual day filled with tephillot.... Shabbat Shalom lots of love

[@jaroffireflies]

That is so exciting! I’m sure they will have a wonderful trip and visit. So special!

[@thegratitudewitch]

Thanks for sharing, Chana! This is so fascinating. I have heard of the high holidays vaguely before but it was neat to learn more about them. I have Jewish family members, so I appreciate learning more about this beautiful ancient faith. I am so fascinated by Judaism. Also, I just love your videos as well! :)

[@jaroffireflies]

So happy you enjoyed! I appreciate your kind words :)

[@63Littlemouse]

May your High Holidays this year bring you joy, peace & closer to G-d 🙏

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Clare 💜

[@reberuth2335]

So interesting to hear all of these. Thanks for sharing, blessings for an amazing weekend

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks you too!

[@indigomoon777]

Have a wonderful week! The High Holidays are such a joyous time! My mother’s sister is a Rabbi (I know this is not a part of your lineage). It’s so reverent and cleansing).

[@jaroffireflies]

Hope you enjoy the holidays too

[@damealeta3541]

Hi, Chana! You make your videos look so easy and polished one would never suspect all the flub ups that get cut out! LOL. Thanks for the run down on the High Holidays coming up! Rosh Hashanah actually falls on my birthday this year! Have something sweet for me during your celebrations! Sending love and hugs all around 💖

[@jaroffireflies]

That is so kind of you thank you 😊

[@sharonf106]

Thank you for educating us on the holidays you observe. I find it fascinating to learn about other people's customs and beliefs. I look forward to watching the other videos.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Sharon!

[@karenjohnson5634]

I hope all the high holidays will be very meaningful and fulfilling and draw you closer to G-d this year!! Many blessings to you and your precious family!! 🥰🙏❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so very much Karen ❤️

[@kristinmiller4779]

Good morning Chana and kiddos ❤️ 💛 I love hearing about the Jewish Holidays

[@jaroffireflies]

Good morning Kristin!!!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

Thank you for sharing this with us and I look forward to your upcoming videos when you’re able to post them!

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@taylorclay2122]

Sukkot starts on my birthday this year. I am praying for you and yours that you have the holiday season you are seeking. Sending prayers and love from the Pacific Northwest. Also, I concur with everyone who has already said that the purple scarf looks fabulous on you :)

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Taylor 💐

[@gothgirlatheart3545]

I love these very educational videos!! Love you, Can’t wait till your next upload!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@barbarashames1372]

You are always so informative. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy 😉 ❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Barbara!

[@laurettapelletier7679]

Thank you for sharing! I love learning and you make it so fun!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for watching!

[@rukhsanatabassum7164]

Thank you for sharing these High Holidays . It is wonderful video.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@elinakoskinen301]

Very interesting. As always. Yom tov!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Elina!

[@louisethomas2948]

I really enjoy and learned so much from your videos when you explain about your religion. I always think it is good to learn about others religions and cultures and that we can respect each other more.

[@janithgottfried8320]

Hi Chana! Looking forward to your Holidays posting, I remember watching the videos last year, well done! As always a pleasure to watch and learn...

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Janith!

[@Earthy-Artist]

🙂Very informative as always have a great rest of your week & weekend!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! You too!

[@CherylNoe]

I love your educational videos! Have a wonderful weekend.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Cheryl! Enjoy your weekend as well!

[@gigidodson]

So interesting. Love your videos. I always learn something while im charmed. Its so hard to find kindness on line. Then there you are, sharing your faith your light your unending possitivity and your kindness. Thank you. You start my day with a prayer and a smile.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for your kind words 💜

[@nanakoimai7815]

I love the purple scarf! So pretty💜

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@kylegroll8047]

Your bloopers are Adorable! 😂

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!

[@tanya292]

I hope I don’t sound mean or offending but I feel like my religion and yours truly has some very similar holidays. Of course some are totally different. But it’s similar enough that I feel like I sort of get what you may feel on your high holidays. So happy to know more about your culture and religion. I love it. ❤️❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

So glad you are enjoying 💜

[@117Pinkyflower]

My favorite person to drink my morning coffee! ☕️

[@jaroffireflies]

Aw thank you Michelle!

[@lindaversil1121]

You are supposed to cry during prayers on Yom Kippur. Sadly most people don’t. But it’s good that you do. You are feeling it and understand the true meaning

[@jaroffireflies]

Prayer without emotion is like a body without a soul 💜

[@HappyGirl4666]

The explanations are always so interesting!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! So glad to hear :)

[@HappyGirl4666]

@@jaroffireflies 💕

[@andreamekel1784]

Have a great day!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Andrea! You too!

[@bethbowers4655]

Hi hannah. I fell a month ago andbrome both my shoulders. My left one is shattered and ill take months to heal. Binging your channel between physical therapy appts. ❤️❤️ thankful for you.

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m so sorry to hear that Beth! Wishing you a full recovery with no complications ❤️

[@franky.378]

Thank you very much!

[@jeaniedenton-smith1041]

Hi Chana! I just wanted to follow up and let you know I'm attending the Rosh Hashana community Meal Sunday evening, and Rosh Hashana morning services! This is at the Chabad House nearest to me. I'm so excited!! Thank you as always for your wonderful videos!!! Btw, I have to agree with the other comment on here; your color is definitely purple!!

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s so exciting!!! Enjoy it! And Shana Tova!

[@debraredmond5147]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing❤

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@1Joh411]

I am looking forward to going to Israel during Rosh Hashanah this year. So excited!

[@jaroffireflies]

Amazing!

[@jenniferwilson8500]

Love the purple!!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

😊💜

[@wendyhoward2699]

So interesting. Blessings.

[@Emmahb8]

Thanks so much for this video. It is always interesting to learn about these religious days. I really love these videos and they are so informative. Can I ask are any of them based on seasons? If so, how does that work for people in the southern hemisphere?

[@jaroffireflies]

Anything seasonal would be based on Israel

[@oxymom2002]

My birthday is mid-September and even as a young Catholic girl, I was familiar with Rosh Hashanah since it regularly starts on my birthday. 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

So fun! Happy birthday!

[@shawndavis824]

Your bloopers remind me of how I am- trying to get out my thoughts/words and it just doesn’t happen! Lol The purple scarf looks lovely on you. Have a blessed Shabbat.

[@jaroffireflies]

Right?!? This is why I am hesitant to do a live video lol

[@shawndavis824]

@@jaroffireflies you would be great. But , I totally understand. I think I still have pregnancy brain fog and my children are 34 and 32. Lol

[@jaroffireflies]

@@shawndavis824 you’re very kind 💜

[@karenjohnson5634]

@@shawndavis824 oh no! Pregnancy brain doesn’t go away!!??? 🤪😂😂😂😂😂 I’ve had mom/pregnancy brain for over 17 years and I was hoping it would get better!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 My oldest is 17

[@shawndavis824]

@@karenjohnson5634 I’m sure it does, but I am going to use it for my excuse for as long as possible. 😂

[@charisselane9518]

Good Morning, Jar of Fire Flies, Thank you for example The High Holidays to us. Glad to hear that you get emotional in pray. That you are Thankful to God for allowing him to be apart of your life as well as your family.too. I enjoy the way you example how the children enjoy themselves, too and get present and candy and spend time with family and friends. Shalom and Peace be until you and your family. You're Welcome. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.🇮🇱🙏🔯🕎🛐🛐👊🕊️🙋🏾‍♀️👼🏾😇😇👐👏😘💐💃🏾🎉🎊💗💕💓.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@heatherwiner2883]

I always go into a depression during this time of the year, Chaunukka, and Pesach. It is too lonely without family and never feels like a holiday to me.

[@BettyHorn]

I feel like there are some exciting things about to happen on these days!

[@jaroffireflies]

They are super fun :)

[@annak1371]

Oh my word! So much to remember. It sounds like so much fun. Are there allowances for people who are not so well? Do they have to observe the complete fasting rules? I'm always hearing my diabetic Mom telling me, "I have to eat something!" or her telling me that her Dr told her that she needs to make sure she drinks more water (she only has one kidney).

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes there are medical exceptions for fasting :)

[@azariacba]

Toda raba

[@jaroffireflies]

Bevakesha

[@Practicalinvestments]

@@jaroffireflies The real question is how do you feel about reform?

[@jmw939]

Shana Tova um’tuka to you and your family! 🍎🍯🍷

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 💜

[@gologolo7129]

Hi there Chana! I was wondering how many times you had to rerecord the intro where you say the number of babies you have. I am watched your videos so much I recite the intro with you and I keep saying "homeschooling mother of 3" then I correct myself. 🤣🤣

[@jaroffireflies]

😂😂😂 I’m getting it now :) took a bit of practice though

[@1minutescienceexperimentsw8]

i am muslim but i like your video

[@siobhanmacandrew7068]

So informative. Is there a special process to introduce children to the high holidays? Also, this is baby Firefly’s first celebration - is there provision in the ceremony for that? Thanks!

[@jaroffireflies]

Our children are introduced to the holidays just through life :) no ceremony or anything like that

[@johannaweissensteiner1536]

Great video! I have a question about shabbat. Is it in every country always according to the local position or do some countries have something different? For example the very north of Norway (where the sun doesnt rise at all for some months and then for some other months it doesnt set at all)

[@jaroffireflies]

The times for Shabbat vary depending on location since it has to do with the sun :)

[@TheZyarok]

There are some fascinating discussions online about these issues. (For example, when the sun doesn't set, some bring shabbat in at the same time as Jerusalem. When it does set, but very late, they usher in shabbat early.)

[@karenoquinn4702]

La Shana Tova 😊

[@debwiley3914]

As a nursing mother, are you allowed to have water during Yom Kippur? I believe I've heard that you have diabetes - are there accommodations made for people with medical needs during the holidays? Thank you for being upbeat and informative. I enjoy your content.

[@jaroffireflies]

Hi Deb, I won’t need water during the fast. I go into it well hydrated and have not had issues. I don’t have diabetes, but medical exceptions are made for a variety of reasons

[@briannecoverdale5486]

Thank you for sharing! I did have a question. My question is if your husband will get to fully participate this year? I don't remember exactly when(and I may be off, apologies if I am), but didn't he have family pass away and he's had to observe a year of certain customs and expectations?

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes, his mourning period is over so he will be able to fully participate this year in all holiday plans.

[@amaliasiaud570]

Does the month of Elul always occur at the same time regarding the secular calendar ? Or does it change through the years as the Ramdan dates in the secular calendar for example ? Thanks for all this informative content!

[@jaroffireflies]

We use a lunar calendar for the Jewish months :) so yes, it changes on the secular calendar each year

[@amaliasiaud570]

@@jaroffireflies thank you for your answer :)

[@jaroffireflies]

@@amaliasiaud570 you are so welcome!

[@lorijoffe]

Shanah Tova!

[@janetlongislandsticher]

Beautiful scarf. Let me ask you I know you told to ask my doctor but she's not telling me what I need to know. If you could what things can your son eat with out sugar and low sodium. I'm asking you cause you are so smart in things that are helpful, I was in the hospital for a mini stroke but I'm better now I have to many bad things but I want to keep my prediabetes in control, so can u help me. Thank you so much does mini brownies looked so good. Again thanks

[@jaroffireflies]

I appreciate your kind words. My son has type 1 diabetes so he can eat sugar.

[@lenapeavey]

I've noticed that a lot of christian blow the shofur. Does it have meaning for them as well?

[@jaroffireflies]

I don’t know anything about the shofar outside of Judaism.

[@lindaversil1121]

The Jewish schools also take off for the holidays. A little more than two weeks

[@jaroffireflies]

Schools here take the holidays off as well, but we take off the whole month, not just the holiday days

[@lindaversil1121]

@@jaroffireflies great

[@franditri7185]

Hi Chana baby firefly is learning already? What is is favorite subject? Lol Is it ok to wish you a lovely High Holidays. I’m sorry if I disrespected you. I have a little dradle I hang on the Christmas Tree. My oldest son made it many years in Boy Scouts. I know both are different religions, ( christmas and your holiday ) lol I love your bloopers. Everyone makes mistakes, but some people just don’t admit to it. I’m pretty darn perfect lol.

[@jaroffireflies]

Totally fine to wish me a lovely high holidays thank you!

[@rebeccaturner4988]

Hi, could you share the name of the month in JewIsh when it changes etc. It would be nice to know in relation to the western calendar. Thanks for sharing

[@jaroffireflies]

You can check out a site called HebCal to see how the months line up as they change each year

[@kristadavis2825]

I just discovered I have gestational diabetes and my family also needs to be gluten free. Any tips on diabetic friendly sweet treats?

[@jaroffireflies]

You could check out my gluten free playlist for some of what we like to eat as a gluten free family, but I’d definitely recommend discussing with a nutritionist or your doctor for your gestational diabetes. I don’t know anything about gestational diabetes

[@TheJazzlass]

❤👍😀

[@ericajensen8173]

I understand the reasons for fasting. Since your eldest son is type one diabetic and if you are breast feeding, keeping you hydrated, how do you keep your fasting safe and not cause any medical emergencies??

[@jaroffireflies]

My son is too young to fast. When the time comes I doubt he will be permitted to fast. For me, I go into the fast well hydrated and don’t have any issues

[@bayonnealice7540]

Hi. When I was on high school I had a long walk and I used to end up walking part way with an Orthodox girl. She explained the various holidays but pronounced Rosh Hashanah a little bit differently then you, is your or her pronunciation maybe a regional thing? I grew up in Greater NYC area.

[@jaroffireflies]

There are some regional pronunciation differences with local accents but also ashkenazi and Sephardi pronunciation differences as well

[@GoingGreenMom]

Did you say the 1 holiday was for 2 weeks and there was a second holiday contained within the same dates?

[@jaroffireflies]

Sukkot is a week long holiday with simchat torah at the end

[@lalakass9041]

When you say no liquid on your fast, you can’t even drink water? Do a lot of people end up in the hospital after Yom kippur?

[@jaroffireflies]

We are pretty experienced fastest :) Someone would break there fast I’m sure before they would get to the point of being hospitalized. And yes, no water.

[@kimberlygonzalez3148]

Do people who work ask for days off? I worked at a Jewish preschool and they gave us those days off

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes, we ask for those days off. Some years when the holidays fall on a lot of week days, we end up needing unpaid time off.

[@josephkavanagh5221]

Another excellent video! Have a joyous Rosh Hashanah and a gratifying Yom kippur. You promote Judaism as well as anyone. Believe m, it's not easy to convert.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you very much

[@lupeaguilera8348]

I know you have said that Fasting is not your favorite thing. If your Breast feeding, do you have to fast?

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes. We fast unless there is a medical reason not to.

[@alphadog3384]

Baklava would be a wonderful dessert for the Jewish New Year, but l heard nuts shouldn't be eaten for the New Year?

[@jaroffireflies]

I haven’t heard anything about nuts. Could totally be a tradition though:)

[@alphadog3384]

@@jaroffireflies you could be right, Sephardic tradition maybe.

[@Lovelyylizette]

Do pregnant or nursing women also fast on Yom Kippur?

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes unless there is a medical reason not to

[@sigridboschmans767]

Do you have to faste if you are breastfeeding ? On Jom Kipoer?

[@jaroffireflies]

Yes we do still fast on Yom Kippur

[@marybee4734]

HELLO CHANA I AM SO EXCIDED I GET TO GO TO A ROSH HASHANAH SERVICE HERE IN MY TOWN I FINALLY CALLED THE NEW RABBI QAND HE WELCOME ME AND MY HUSBAND AT THE SERVICE THEY WILL PLAY THE SHOFAR 🥰🦋🦋🦋🌻🌻🌻🐝

[@jaroffireflies]

How wonderful!

[@BelleBella16]

If you are breastfeeding baby firefly, can you still eat on the fasting days? I know how hungry I get BF our little one and I can't imagine going without food for over a day.

[@jaroffireflies]

I will be doing the complete fast. I’ve done it before and it’s been no problem:)

[@BelleBella16]

@@jaroffireflies I applaud you for that! As someone who isn't Jewish I cannot imagine how spiritual the high holidays are and a small sacrifice like that must be worth it! I hope they are as wonderful as they sound for you and you and yours are blessed!

[@jaroffireflies]

@@BelleBella16 thank you so much ❤️

[@Papasquatch73]

Sorry for my confusion. It’s me reading Josephus probably not understanding what I’m reading

[@58jennypenny]

not drinking for 26 hours is very bad for your brain and liver/kidneys, why do you not at least drink?

[@Papasquatch73]

I’m sorry I’m not Jewish so I’ll use Jewish terms. I thought there was a high holiday in Passover

[@jaroffireflies]

Passover is one of our most important holidays. The high holidays are Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.

[@Theresa.DTurner-lq1qp]

Allergisy