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Type: Article
The Origins of Hanukkah, The holiday is named Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, in honor of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a small band of Jewish people reclaimed it from the Syrian-Greeks in second century BCE. The group had a small amount of oil to light the Temple, which they expected to last only briefly; however, the oil continued to burn for eight nights. The lighting of the…, When and How Hanukkah is Observed, Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The, Hanukkah menorah, (or hanukkiah) is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday; on each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until on the final night all eight branches are ignited. The ninth branch holds a candle, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), used to light the other…, How to Wish Someone a Happy Hanukkah, There are several ways in which you can wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, including "Happy Hanukkah!" or one of the following:, Chag Sameach, (Happy Holiday): This saying is not limited to Hanukkah and can be used during any Jewish holiday;, Chag Urim Sameach, (Happy Festival of Lights); or, Hanukkah Sameach, (Happy Hanukkah).
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The winter solstice is the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year and is called the “shortest day of the year.” The solstice itself actually occurs at an exact moment, when the hemisphere is tilted as far away from the Sun as it can be., Why is the Winter Solstice important?, Winter solstice celebrations have a rich history around the world . There are many cultures that hold feasts and celebrate holidays around the winter solstice, often with fire and light. Some of the modern-day festivals celebrated around the world are: Dongzhi – a festival celebrated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Families gather to celebrate the increase in positive energy with…, Learn more about Winter Solstice, Want to learn more about Winter Solstice? Check out the Almanac’s Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Facts, Folklore, and More!
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The Origins of Christmas, From a religious standpoint, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition, Christmas has become a cultural holiday for many over the years with the evolution of St. Nicholas into Santa Claus., When Christmas is Observed, The Christmas season begins for Western Christianity and some of the Eastern Churches on December 24 with Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Day on December 25 and runs through either the Epiphany or the Baptism. The Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, and some Anabaptists recognize January 6 as Christmas. Most Oriental Orthodox and some of the Eastern Orthodox churches…, How Christmas is Celebrated, Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. Popular traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
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Kwanzaa is an annual African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It is held from December 26 to January 1, and culminates in a communal feast called Karamu., Origins of Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa was first created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 during the aftermath of the Watts riots (alternatively known as the Watts Rebellion or Watts Uprising). Karenga created Kwanzaa as a specifically African American holiday which provided an “opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history.” It is loosely based on fruit harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa,…, Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), The celebration of Kwanzaa includes recognition of a set of ideals that its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba . Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity) Imani (Faith), Primary Symbols of Kwanzaa, Mazao (The Crops) Mkeka (The Mat) Kinara (The Candle Holder) Muhindi (The Corn) Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup) Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles) Zawadi (The Gifts), Learn more about Kwanzaa, You can learn more about the Nguzo Saba, the primary symbols of Kwanzaa, and the history and meaning of the holiday by visiting the Official Kwanzaa Website .
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January 4 is World Braille Day. It is celebrated on this day to honor the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the touch reading and writing system. Recognizing World Braille Day reminds us of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for the blind, deafblind, and partially sighted communities. For more information, visit the United…
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The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Bahá'u'lláh. This solemn anniversary is a day of rest, and is often observed by reading or chanting from the scriptures.
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Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Updates and Changes Effective November 1, 2023 and January 1,2024, What is PFML?, Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) allows employees to take paid time off work for qualifying family or medical reasons. The program is administered by the state Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML). This program is funded by both employer and employee contributions. While similar to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, there are significant differences: PFML…, Summary of Changes effective November 1, 2023, Effective November 1, 2023, employees receiving PFML benefits may supplement (or “top off”) their PFML benefits with any available accrued paid leave (sick time, vacation, PTO, personal time, etc.). The employee may choose to use their accrued leave to top off their benefits, or they may choose to keep their accrued paid leave to use at another time. The combined weekly sum of PFML benefits and…, Summary of Changes Effective January 1, 2024, Effective January 1, 2024, the contribution rate will increase to .88%. The contribution rate breaks down as follows: .70% for medical leave .42% of the employer’s share .28% of the employee’s share .18% for family leave 0% of the employer’s share .18% of the employee’s share Effective January 1, 2024, the State Average Weekly Wage will increase to $1,796.72 and the maximum weekly benefit rate …, Questions:, Contact Lauren Brown at lbrown@umassp.edu . , Resources, UMass President’s Office Website https://www.umassp.edu/paid-family-medical-leave Department of Family and Medical Leave: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-family-and-medical-leave
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