Jewish holidays and important events are at the core of the religious and cultural life of the Jewish people. With a history spanning nearly 4,000 years, Judaism is one of the oldest religions, and its holidays deeply reflect the religious beliefs, historical experiences, and traditions that have shaped Jewish identity.
These celebrations are not just religious ceremonies, but act as bridges connecting different generations, keeping collective memory and cultural heritage alive. From weekly Shabbat, the day of rest and spirituality, to major annual holidays such as Pesach (Easter), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Hanukkah (Festival of Lights), each holiday carries unique messages and symbolisms.
It is important to note that within Judaism there are various currents, such as Orthodox Judaism, Conservative (Masorti), Reformist and Liberal. These traditions may differ in the way they observe and interpret holidays and customs, but they all contribute to the rich diversity of the Jewish faith.
Through exploration of the main Jewish holidays and important events, we will understand more deeply how these practices strengthen community ties, promote the values of Judaism, and keep Jewish tradition alive in the modern world.
In summary, the holidays in the Jewish calendar are the following:
Feasts defined by the Torah (biblical): • Shabbat
• Pesach, Savuoth, Sukkot
• Rosh Asana, Yom Kippur, Shihat Torah
• Hanukkah, Purim
• Bisvat’s, Lag Baomer
• Chom Gedalia, Chom Asara Betevet, Taanit Esther, Chom Swassere Betamuz, Tessa Beat
Also important events and anniversaries associated with the modern State of Israel are the following:
- Nisan 27 – Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- 4th of the month Iyar – Day of Remembrance of the fallen of the Israeli army and victims of terrorism.
- Iyar 5 – Independence Day of the State of Israel.
- 28th of the month Iyar – Day of the unification of the city of Jerusalem.
In detail, the main Jewish holidays, fasts associated with the State of Israel are the following:
Shabbat, or Sabbath, is the most important holiday in the Jewish calendar and is central to Jewish faith and tradition. It is a day of rest, relaxation, and spiritual contemplation on which Jews commemorate the seventh day of creation, when God rested from His work.
Shabbat begins on Friday night at sunset, known as Kabbalat Shabbat (Saturday reception). It is a tradition for women to light two candles just before entering Shabbat and recite the blessing of the candles. Lighting candles also serves practical purposes, as the use of fire or electricity during Shabbat is prohibited. During Shabbat, many Jews abstain from various jobs, following religious instructions. It is a tradition for families to visit the synagogue to attend mass and spend the day with friends and relatives at common meals. Shabbat offers the opportunity to strengthen family ties, spiritual renewal and escape from everyday activities.
Rosh Asanah, or Ross-Assanah, is the Jewish New Year and is one of the most important periods of the Jewish calendar. It is celebrated for two days, usually during the months of September or October, on the first day of the month of Tishrei. During Rosh Asanah, Jews review the previous year, as it is the period when God judges people and their actions. Immediately after Rosh Asana, on the third day of Tishrei, Taanit Gentalia, the fast of Gedalia, takes place. It is a short fast, from sunrise to sunset, to commemorate the murder of Gentalia, who had been appointed commander of the Jews by Nebuchadnezzar.
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most modest day in the Jewish calendar. During this day, believers pray for the remission of the previous year’s sins and show sincere remorse. Fasting is a central element of Yom Kippur, with Jews, except children and the sick, abstaining from eating and drinking for a total of 25 hours—from sunset the previous day until the evening of the next. This day is dedicated to spiritual introspection, forgiveness, and renewed commitment to the moral principles of Judaism.
Sukkot, also known as the Tabernacle Festival, is an important Jewish holiday that begins five days after the end of Yom Kippur and lasts eight days. During Sukkot, faithful Jews remember the temporary shelters the Israelites built in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. To commemorate this historical experience, they eat and, in some cases, sleep in similar tents, known as succah. These scenes are specially made for the feast and symbolize God’s protection and presence during wilderness. Sukkot’s intermediate days are normal working days, but the festive atmosphere remains intense throughout the celebration.
Immediately after Sukkot, there is the feast of Semini Ateret (of the Eighth Day), as well as the Simhat Torah, one of the most joyful holidays in the Jewish calendar. The Semi Aceret marks the eighth day after the start of Sukkot and is a special holiday that adds spiritual depth to the festive season. The Simhat Torah, which translates as “The Joy of the Law,” celebrates the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle (Pentateuch) and its immediate resumption. It is a celebration full of enthusiasm and joy, where believers express their love and appreciation for the Torah.
Pesach, or Passage, is one of the most important Jewish holidays, lasting eight days and often coinciding with Christian Passover. It is celebrated annually on the 15th of the month of Nissan and is one of the three festivals of pilgrimage, during which Jews went up to Jerusalem to offer the Temple their new fruits and newborn animals. Pesach commemorates the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt, under the guidance of Moses, to whom God entrusted the leadership of the people. The liberation and march in the desert shaped the identity of the Jewish people, making this anniversary extremely important. The festival is also called Hag Amachot (Feast of Unleavened Bread) and Hag Acherut (Feast of Freedom), highlighting the themes of freedom and faith. In remembrance of the hasty escape from Egypt, during which the Israelites had no time to let the bread ferment, the Jews during Pesach did not consume or buy fermented products such as bread, beer, or cereals.
From Pesach to Shavuoth, the holiday marking the culmination of Torah delivery to the people of Israel on Mount Sinai, there are 49 days. These days were a time of great impatience and longing for the wandering people as they waited for God’s revelation. At the same time, farmers waited for the wheat to ripen in order to bring their offerings to the Temple. The counting of these 49 days continues to this day and in Savuoth for two days it is customary to consume dairy products.
Hanukkah is a joyful and important holiday in the Jewish calendar, lasting eight nights and always beginning on the 25th of the month of Kislev. This celebration reminds us of the miracle of oil that occurred in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to tradition, when the temple was desecrated, a small jug with minimal oil was found, enough for only one day. However, with this oil they lit the golden Menorah for eight days, as long as it took to prepare a new pure oil. Hanukkah also commemorates the Maccabees’ victory over their enemies, who sought to impose a different way of life, contrary to Torah commands.
Purim is a one-day Jewish holiday celebrated in memory of Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia. Esther managed to thwart the plan of the king’s adviser, who intended to exterminate all the Jews of the kingdom. This shocking story is recorded in a special papyrus named Megila (Megilat Esther), which is read publicly inside the synagogue during Purim.
Tu Bisvat, or the 15th day of the month of Swat, is the day we celebrate the “New Year of Trees” or “Tree Judgment Day”. In ancient times, this day was used to calculate the taxation of the fruits of trees and to determine their age, according to religious commandments. In modern times, Jews are accustomed to planting trees and flowers, eating tree fruits, and honoring the Jewish people’s deep connection to the land of Israel. The prematurely blooming almond tree is the symbol of celebration, symbolizing the renewal and the beginning of spring. Tu Bisvat promotes ecological awareness and gratitude for nature’s gifts, encouraging the protection and care of the environment.
Lag Baomer is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the counting of Omer, i.e. the 18th day of the month of Iyar. Omer is the 49-day period between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot, during which Jews count the days in anticipation of the anniversary of the Torah surrender on Mount Sinai. Lag Baomer marks a break from the semi-mournful nature of this period. According to tradition, on this day a deadly epidemic that had afflicted Rabbi Akiva’s disciples stopped. In addition, it is the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Simeon Bar Yohai, who, according to Kabbalah, revealed the secrets of the Torah.During Lag Baomer, Jews used to light bonfires, symbolizing the light of wisdom and knowledge brought by Rabbi Simeon Bar Yohai. Many organize outdoor events, picnics and games, especially archery, linked to the tradition that the rabbi did not need archers as his value protected the people.
1. Chom Gedalia: 3rd of the month Tishrei (short fast*) – After the destruction of the First Temple, the Jewish leader Gedalia was killed, and the few Jews left in the land of Israel fled leaving the country deserted.
2. Chom Ashara Betevet: 10th of the month Tevet (short fast) – The siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians began.
3. Taanit Esther: 13th of the month of Adar (short fast) – In remembrance of the fast that Esther made before praying to God to help her save her people from Haman and his accomplices.
4. Chom Swasse Betamuz: 17th of the month Tamuz (short fast) – The wall of Jerusalem fell after about three years of siege of the city.
5. Tessa Beav: 9th of the month Ab (great fast) – Destruction of the first and second Temples of Jerusalem.