Our last reading was Deuteronomy 16 which discusses holidays. It had little significance for us because we haven't really thought about holidays. But holidays are important because they form part of the tradition of a religion. As a new religion, we can interpret the holidays for ourselves and we don't need to be bound by the details of the Torah which don't apply well to our times. So let me consider the holidays:
Passover - A Torah-based version would be no fluffy carbs for a week. Another alternative I would like to discuss eventually is a total fast for a week which I believe has significant health benefits. Either way, I would reject the Torah requirement not to work since this is impractical.
Yom Kippur - This is about self-denial. So I suggest no food or drink except water and no other pleasures for that one day. But work should be allowed.
Sukkot - I suggest this be a group nature trip, probably a camping trip. This should not be tied to any specific date but should be scheduled by us for whenever is convenient. This is how we should schedule all group trips.
Shavuot - I suggest we make this a group culture trip, going somewhere of cultural interest as a group. Again, flexible scheduling.
Purim - I suggest we make this a group party trip. The idea is to go somewhere pleasant and just eat and drink and enjoy ourselves. Again, flexible scheduling.
Rosh Hashanah - This is Jewish New Year but it actually has little basis in the Bible. I would drop this one and just keep secular New Year.
Hanukkah - This has no basis in the Old Testament. It is based on later events. Those of us with young kids will want some gift-giving holiday. I suggest members with kids can choose between Hanukkah and Christmas, so this is not be a key holiday for us.
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