Recently, two tenth grade students of mine shared with me a late-night/ early-morning conversation they had had. While I’m usually wary of teenagers’ discussions in the middle of the night, this one made me proud of them.

Before Passover, these students were discussing the advantages of the Jewish calendar, which always provides us with something to look forward to. At the conclusion of one holiday another one is just around the corner. A holiday marks a break in routine, a rest from the ordinary. In addition, each week ends with Shabbat, where the change of pace invigorates us for the days ahead. The structure and rhythm of the calendar, in their opinion, makes Judaism special.

These students touched upon the essence of the holidays, which are all mentioned in this week’s portion (with the exception of Chanukah and Purim, which were added later). The Torah refers to Shabbat and the Holidays as “moadim,” meetings. How does that word convey the essence of these days?

Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, a leading American Rabbi and teacher of the past century, explained that holidays are called moadai Hashem, meeting times with G-d. We have the opportunity to “meet with G-d,” so to speak, by utilizing the unique spiritual aura of each holiday to take a step back from daily affairs and focus on what’s really important in life: G-d and family.

Each holiday conveys its own uplifting message. Shabbat, which bears witness to G-d’s role as Creator of the world, offers the opportunity to thank Him for allowing us to accomplish all that we have during the past week and rejuvenate ourselves for the week ahead.

On Passover, the first holiday mentioned in this week’s portion, we reflect upon our Exodus from Egypt and how we were freed from slavery to become G-d’s Chosen Nation. This season of freedom reminds us of our blessings of freedom of choice and the ability to pursue our unique destiny.

The sefira, the days we count between Passover and Shavuos, signify the days leading to the receiving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. This period should be used to focus our attention on the importance of Torah in Jewish life. The Exodus on Passover was merely a prelude to Shavuos, the day on which we received our mission statement from G-d – the Torah. Shavuos reminds us of the centrality of the Torah’s laws and teachings in Jewish life.

Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the High Holidays, occur at the beginning of the Jewish calendar year, affording the opportunity to renew oneself before G-d. The Shofar blasts on Rosh Hashana serve as a wake-up call, and the requirement to fast on Yom Kippur compels us to forsake our physical needs and focus on the profound spiritual aspects of the holy day.

Sukkos the final holiday mentioned in this week’s portion, wraps up the festival calendar. We dwell in temporary huts to underscore our reliance on G-d’s protection, for only He can truly shelter us. As King David writes in Psalms, “If G-d won’t protect the city, the watchman is working for naught.”

Each holiday offers a means for us to reignite the spiritual spark within us. Just as an occasional vacation is necessary for physical rest and relaxation, the holidays provide the same refreshment for our spirit. Let us utilize the holidays as a stepping stone to a fuller, more meaningful life.