Jewish festivals, originating in antiquity, are observed in Israel and throughout Jewish communities throughout the world intensively and in many ways. They are manifested in traditional and nontraditional customs and practice, and they leave their imprint on diverse aspects of national life. The Jewish festivals are the 'landmarks' by which Israelis mark the passing of the year. They are very much a part of daily life: on the street, in the school system, in synagogues and in the home.
However, not all Jews claim to be religious. Some Jews are secular with little time and regard for religion and may not have much identification with Israel. Some may regard their Jewishness as an accident of birth with no real significance, while others may still feel a strong ethnic cultural and social attachment to the Jewish people. …
