Holidays & Observances in Israel

Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the only country in the world with a Jewish majority population. Judaism is an important part of everyday life in Israel. The Hebrew calendar is used on a daily basis and the work holidays are determined by Jewish holidays. Many businesses close on Saturdays in Israel to observe the Sabbath. The capitol city of Jerusalem is important to Christianity and Islam in addition to Judaism, so holidays for all of those religions are celebrated to some extent. Israel has been involved in conflicts with its Arab neighbors since its conception, but holidays are celebrated with great enthusiasm despite the conflicts.