Holidays & Observances
Thoughts, perspectives, special features and interviews regarding the many holidays and observances specific to the Jewish calendar and Israel.
If you have any questions or comments, please click on
Listener Feedback
Id al - Fitr
(December 27) Dr. Muhammed Hourani on the end of Ramadan and the beginning of this three day celebration.
Click hear...
A little extra light on Hanukka
(December 24) Rabbi David Aaron, dean of the Isralight Institute, sheds some inspirational light on Hanukka.
Click hear...
Dreidels, candles, and kids
(December 24) Visit the Frankel school in French Hill as Jerusalem kids share their thoughts and observations about the festival of lights.
Click hear...
Hanukka recipe #3
(December 24) The Jerusalem Post magazine's Phyllis Glazer, shares some of her favorite festive recipes for Hanukka.
Click hear...
Hanukka recipe #2
(December 24) The Jerusalem Post magazine's Phyllis Glazer, shares some of her favorite festive recipes for Hanukka.
Click hear...
It's Hanukka
(December 21) At long last it's here - the Festival of Lights. We go to the Western Wall Plaza for the opening ceremony.
Click hear...
Hanukka Special: Field trip to Angel's bakery
(December 20) Meet Dani Angel, standing patriarch of the Angel's bakery empire. Then visit the factory floor and learn how traditional sufganiyot (jelly donuts) are made. Hanukka fun for the whole family!
Click hear...
Hanukka recipe #1
(December 20) The Jerusalem Post magazine's Phyllis Glazer, shares some of her favorite festive recipes for Hanukkah.
Click hear...
A party for all faiths
(December 21) The Inter-Religious Co-ordinating Council of Israel held its annual Hanukka-Ramadan-Christmas party last night in Jerusalem.
Click hear...
Christmas and Hanukah: Seasonal neighbors
(December 19) Father Michael McGarry and Rabbi Ron Kronish share their perspectives on these festivals of light.
Click hear...
US President Bill Clinton's Ramadan Message
(November 27) This month marks Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Moslems
worldwide. US President Bill Clinton delivers his address of hope for a
future of peace not only in Middle East, but throughout the world.
Click hear...
The Night Journey and the Ascension
(October 24) Prof. Mustafa Abu Sway talks about this Moslem day of Commemoration.
Click hear...
Sukkot Special
International Christian Embassy's celebration in Jerusalem
(October 16) Sukkot is celebrated by Christian pilgrims at the 21st anniversary of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem.
Click hear...
Yom Kippur Special
Former POWs recall Yom Kippur, 1973
(October 5) Dr. Itamar Barnea, a psychologist who counsels former POWs and Uri Ehrenfeld, coordinator of the Jerusalem branch of "Awake at Night" speak about their experiences during and after captivity.
Click hear...
Kippur
(October 5) Director Amos Gitai's autobiographical movie on the Yom Kippur War opens in Israel on the eve of the holiday.
Click hear...
The Yom Kippur Evening Prayer Kol Nidre
(October 5) Excerpts from Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir's recent rehearsal and CD.
Click hear...
Rosh Hashana Special
Rosh Hashana Through the Eyes of a Child
(September 28) Visit a children's gan (kindergarden) and discover Rosh Hashana as they know it.
Click hear...
Rosh Hashana- Three Perspectives
(September 28) Enjoy words and reflections about the Jewish new year from Rabbi Michael Melchior, Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Sacks, and Rabbi Tamar Kolberg.
Click hear...
Shabbat Rosh Hashana
(September 28) Join Rabbi Berel Wein.
Click hear...
Make peace not love
(September 28) Author and cultural icon Meir Shalev wishes for a peaceful new year and says both sides should lower their expectations for a lasting peace settlement.
Click hear...
Tu B'Av Special
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach on Tu B'Av
(August 15) Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, acclaimed author of "Kosher Sex", and director of the L'Chaim Society, explains the origins and influence of Tu B'Av and shares his thoughts regarding Jewish dating.
Click hear...
Tu B'Av- live report- Rabbi leads return to faith rally
(August 16) JPost Radio correspndant Josh Wander, reports live from Teddy Stadium as Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak dedicates a most unique Torah scroll on Tu B'Av.
Click hear...
Tu B'Av special report- Eden 2000
(August 15) Leora Zachary, founder and director of Eden 2000, discusses the current state of the Jewish singles scene in Israel.
Click hear...
Tisha B'Av Special
"We shall never move from the Temple Mount"
(August 10) The Temple Mount and land of Israel faithful, a Jewish right-wing group, laid its claim to the holy site on the Ninth of Av. JPost Radio was there at the Temple Mount.
Click here to listen...
Reflections on Tisha B'Av
(August 9) Rabbi David Golinkin and Rabbi David Aaron offer thoughts and perspectives on this mournful day.
Click hear...
Tisha B'Av special report- Polish Jewry today
(August 9) Rabbi Michael Shudrich, rabbi of Warsaw, Poland, discusses the present day state of the Jews in Poland.
Click hear...
A progressive fast
(August 10) Reform and conservative Jews pray at the Western Wall unimpeded.
Click here to listen...
A political 9th of Av
(August 10) The political right suggests there are new reasons to mourn on the Fast of Av.
Click here to listen...
SHAVUOT SPECIAL
Rabbi Berel Wein
A special holiday interview with Rabbi Berel Wein - a four part series.
I. Shavuot - the forgotten holiday. Listen to part I,
II. Revelation collective and personal. Listen to part II,
III. Torah citizenship. Listen to part III,
IV. A relationship forged out of love. Listen to part IV
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
A special Shavuot interview with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - a three part series.
I. Shavuot and the Jewish calendar. Listen to part I,
II. From Passover to the slopes of Sinai. Listen to part II,
III. A Torah of loving kindness, tikkun and cheese cake. Listen to part III
Learned women
Shavuot is a traditional time for men to stay up all night learning Torah, but increasingly they are being joined by women. Click hear...
