I have a cow-orker that took the past two Tuesdays (today and last week) for “religious reasons”. She’s a bit of an odd bird (she once told me in all seriousness that “THEY’re out today doing con-trails to control us”) and when asked about what religion this was, gave a sort of cryptic, “you wouldn’t understand it’s Christianity but almost Judaism” sort of reply. I tried to google for these dates as religious holidays but couldn’t come up with anything that seemed to fit the bill.
So, any idea what these past two Tuesdays have represented for some obscure Christian sect? I’ve put this in MPSIMS, not GQ, because I’m not that serious about the reply, and don’t mind if you make up some interesting conspiracy theories that might fit with the tinfoil-hattery that seems to fit with her persona.
Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, is an eight day festival commemorating the divine protection given to the Israelites during their wandering in the desert. Also, a festival of giving thanks and celebrating the Fall harvest. It began at sundown the day before.
Simchat Torah means “rejoicing in the Torah” and immedaetly follows Sukkot. It celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Torah and also began at sundown the day before, or yesterday.
Those two seem like the best fit, given her explanation. Now, does anyone know how this ties to a Christian religion? I’ve never heard of any Christians sects which observe these holidays. (Not read the St. Crispian links yet)
I’ve never heard of anyone except the most observant Jews leaving work for Simchat Torah. (Reform temples around here celebrate “Eruv Simchat Torah” on Monday night.) Taking off work for Sukkot would be like taking off for Hannukah - it’s a multi-day festival.