Kristallnacht Culture/religion: Judaism Date: November 9-10 Kristallnacht (“Crystal Night” or “Night of Broken Glass”) commemorates the violent anti-Jewish demonstrations that broke out across Germany, Austria and the Sudentenland region of Czechoslovakia. For 48 hours, violent mobs destroyed hundreds of synagogues and burned or desecrated Jewish religious … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 7-13, 2022
National Native American Indian Heritage Month Culture/religion: National observance Date: November Native American Heritage Month has evolved from a week-long celebration when president Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 23-30 as “American Indian Week” to a month-long celebration in 1990 when president George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation designating the month of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 1-6, 2022
Dussehra Culture/religion: Hindu Date: October 5 Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami (“victory on the tenth day”) is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated at the end of Navaratri every year. The festival signifies good over evil, commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. Though observed for different reasons and celebrated in a variety of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 3-9, 2022
Rosh Hashanah Culture/religion: Judaism Date: September 26-27 Rosh Hashanah (“Head of the Year”) is the birthday of the universe and the Jewish New Year. It is both a day of prayer and a day of joy when God is proclaimed King of the Universe. The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar (the ram’s horn) on both days of the holiday and takes … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – September 26-October 2, 2022
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. How it began In 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-498 authorizing and requesting the president to issue an annual proclamation … [Read more...] about Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month