The Samaritans are the remnant of the ancient northern kingdom of Israel, descendants of the tribes Joseph, Menashe, and Levi, who have remained in Samaria and survived the Assyrian exile in the years.
The Samaritans celebrate only the seven festivals laid down in the Torah. The first month of the year is the spring month”- Nissan, and the first festival is Passover. the festival of the Matzot (The Unleavened bread)- the festival begins with end of the Passover sacrifice with the baking of the unleavened bread for seven days. The Festival of Shmini Atseret (The Day Of Assembly)- The eighth day after the seven days of Succoth, is the Convocation Day. The Samaritan tradition consider this day as a “Little Yom Kipur” as it mention this day with a long and special prayer, which is the longest prayer of the year.
