Cynthia H. Roberts
Israel is a small nation on the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded in 1948 as a homeland for Jews from all parts of the world. Most of the people of Israel are Jews, about half of whom were born in other countries. Nearly as of the other Israelis are Arabs. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and Tel Aviv Kya Fo is the largest City.
Israel makes up most of the region once called Palestine, the Holy land of the Bible. In ancient times, the Jews built a nation there, but Palestine fell to a series of conquerors. Although Israel is a free country that welcomes all faith, nine out of every ten Israeli are Jewish. Due to the large ratio of persons in one faith, the religion of the Jews, play a large role in the life style of all Israeli.
Israeli New year is called Rosh Hashanah and is celebrated sometime in September, the date changing from year to year depending on the Hebrew calendar “Rosh” mean “Head” and “Shanah” mean year. Rosh Hashanah last for ten days. The tenth day, called Yom Kippur or day of a tenement, is the day on which one must seek forgiveness for mistakes and resolve to live a better life.
Passover is a celebration of the Jews liberation from slavery. This holiday is usually a celebration in April and it is one of the oldest festivals of freedom in the world.
PURIM—Festivals of Lots
In Israel, many elaborate Purism celebration were held. Some cities have festive, three-day celebrations with many activities including parades, parties and dramatic presentations
SUCCOTH—This holiday is celebrated in late September or early October. This is a very happy ancient festival. It has religious significance and is somewhat similar to the Thanksgiving day celebrated in the United States.
The Republic of Israel began in 1948 in a land previously called Palestine, on the Western edge of the area called the Middle East. Many of the towns in Israel still bear their biblical names. Not only Jews live in Israel—-there are diversity of people from Algiers, Morocco, and Europe, including Arabs and Druzes. Many ancient historical sites attract vistors from throughout the world.