This was taken and edited from 4kidz.net. Note, I take no credit for this information.

Because two important Jewish holidays are just around the corner (September 21- Rosh Hashana & September 30 - Yom Kippur)

The Jewish people are descendants of an ancient people known as Hebrews. They observe specific holidays and traditions that are tied to their religion, Judaism.

To get you started, we have chosen a few facts and holidays to tell you about:

• The Star of David is the symbol of Judaism and also the country of Israel.
• The Synagogue is the building where worship takes place.
• A Rabbi is the person responsible for conducting worship services. (Kind of like the minister in the Christian religions.)
• The Sabbath is the established day of rest, taken on the seventh day of the week, Saturday.

Rosh Hashana

• This is the Jewish New Year Festival.
• According to tradition, people are judged on this day for deeds done during the past year.
• It is a chance to ask for forgiveness and have a fresh start and also to celebrate the creation of the world.
• Family gatherings, special meals & sweet foods like honeycake are customs.

Yom Kippur

• Also known as the Day of Atonement, it is a solemn time to fast, reflect, and pray.
• Historically, this is a holiday spent worshiping at the synagogue.

• Passover (in March or April) - to celebrate the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan.
• Shavuot (50 days after Passover) - to honor Moses receiving the Torah on Mt. Sinai.
• Sukkot (5 days after Yom Kippur) - to remember time spent wandering in the desert.

Other holidays:

• Hanukkah (in December) - the Festival of Lights celebrates God delivering them from the Syrians in 165 B.C.
• Purim (in February or March) - marks the rescue of the Jews of Persia -- You can read about it in Book of Esther.

To discover more about the traditions, life, and holidays of the Jewish people, visit some of these sites.

For KIDS:
Alef Land
Torah Tots

For FAMILIES:
Jewish Family.com
Jewish/Israel Index (Youth & Students)

OTHER:
Jewish Communication Network
Maven Guide to more than 5,000 Jewish/Israel Links
Jewish University In Cyberspace (J.U.I.C.E.)
Yom Tov - information about all the Jewish holidays and observances. The information ranges from historical to philosophical to practical aspects about the Jewish holidays.
The Jewish Calendar and Holy Days - the Jewish calendar.
Jewish Holidays - a list of the Jewish holidays

(Hebrew word for Peace.)