Shemini Atzeret Oct. 9 Shemini Atzeret occurs on the eighth day of Sukkot and is considered a holiday by itself. Simchat Torah marks the completion and beginning again of the cycle of Torah readings. During this festive celebration, children are encouraged to participate while the congregation dances with the Torah. Hanukkah Dec. 9-16 Hanukkah, the Festival the Lights, celebrates victory when the Maccabees regained Jerusalem from the Greeks. Legend has it that one day's oil for the Temple's light lasted eight days.
Children play with dreidels a nd gifts are exchanged.
Passover is the most widely celebrated of all Jewish holidays. This festival of freedom recalls the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. On the first and second nights a ritual meal, called a Seder, is held. April 9 Marks the remembrance of the Holocaust. The Marin Jewish community will hold an observance on Thursday, April 19, at 7pm in the JCC's Hoytt Theater.