Featured Image: [Image of a menorah lit with candles and dreidels on a table]
As the New Year approaches, it’s time to mark your calendars for the upcoming Jewish holidays in 2025 and 2024. These sacred occasions hold profound significance for the Jewish community, offering opportunities for reflection, celebration, and the renewal of faith. From the solemn observance of Yom Kippur to the joyous festivities of Hanukkah and Passover, each holiday carries its unique rituals, traditions, and spiritual messages.
2025 promises an array of important Jewish holidays. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls on September 25th, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days. This period culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, on October 4th, a day of deep introspection and repentance. Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, follows close behind, from October 11th to 18th, inviting us to dwell in temporary shelters and celebrate the harvest. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, brings warmth and joy to the darkest days of the year from December 10th to 18th, as we light candles in the menorah to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
2024 also holds significant Jewish holidays. Passover, the Festival of Freedom, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt from April 15th to 23rd, reminding us of the power of liberation and the transformative journey from slavery to freedom. Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, celebrated from May 18th to 19th, marks the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Lag BaOmer, a festive holiday that falls on May 12th, brings joy and unity as we celebrate the anniversary of Rabbi Akiva’s students and engage in outdoor activities.
Rosh Hashanah 2025 and 2024
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holidays, a period of introspection and repentance. It is celebrated on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which typically falls in September or October. In 2025, Rosh Hashanah will be celebrated on September 25 and 26, while in 2024 it will be observed on October 1 and 2.
The holiday is marked by special prayers, services, and customs. On the first day, it is customary to blow the shofar (ram’s horn) and to recite special prayers called selihot, which seek forgiveness for sins.
The second day of Rosh Hashanah is also known as Yom Hazikaron or the Day of Remembrance. On this day, it is customary to visit the graves of deceased loved ones and to recite yizkor, a prayer for their souls.
Below is a table summarizing the dates of Rosh Hashanah in 2025 and 2024:
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 25 | September 26 |
| 2024 | October 1 | October 2 |
Yom Kippur 2025 and 2024
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance for the sins of the previous year.
Yom Kippur 2025
In 2025, Yom Kippur will begin on Tuesday, September 22, at sunset and end on Wednesday, September 23, at nightfall.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Yom Kippur Evening Service | Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 PM |
| Yom Kippur Morning Service | Wednesday, September 23, 9:30 AM |
| Yom Kippur Afternoon Service | Wednesday, September 23, 1:30 PM |
| Yom Kippur Neilah Service | Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 PM |
Yom Kippur 2024
In 2024, Yom Kippur will begin on Monday, September 21, at sunset and end on Tuesday, September 22, at nightfall.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Yom Kippur Evening Service | Monday, September 21, 7:00 PM |
| Yom Kippur Morning Service | Tuesday, September 22, 9:30 AM |
| Yom Kippur Afternoon Service | Tuesday, September 22, 1:30 PM |
| Yom Kippur Neilah Service | Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 PM |
Sukkot 2025 and 2024
Sukkot 2025
In 2025, Sukkot begins on the evening of October 2nd, and ends on the evening of October 10th.
Sukkot 2024
In 2024, Sukkot begins on the evening of September 23rd, and ends on the evening of October 1st.
Observances
Sukkot is a joyous holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. During this time, they lived in temporary shelters called sukkahs, which are temporary structures built with a roof made of branches or leaves.
In observance of this, Jews build sukkahs in their backyards, on their balconies, or even in their living rooms. They decorate the sukkah with fruits, vegetables, and other festive decorations.
During Sukkot, it is customary to eat meals in the sukkah, and to spend as much time as possible inside. It is also a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate.
Here is a table with the dates of Sukkot in 2025 and 2024:
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 2nd | October 10th |
| 2024 | September 23rd | October 1st |
Simchat Torah 2025 and 2024
Simchat Torah, meaning “Rejoicing of the Torah,” is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new one. It is observed on the 22nd day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, and typically falls in late September or early October.
Simchat Torah in 2025 and 2024
In 2025, Simchat Torah will begin at sunset on Sunday, October 12th, and end at nightfall on Monday, October 13th. In 2024, Simchat Torah will begin at sunset on Tuesday, September 24th, and end at nightfall on Wednesday, September 25th.
Traditions of Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a joyful holiday marked by several customs and traditions:
- Torah Reading: On Simchat Torah, the final portion of the Torah, V’Zot HaBerachah, is read in the synagogue. Additionally, the first portion of the Torah, Bereishit, is read, symbolizing the continuous cycle of Torah study.
- Hakafot: After the Torah reading, worshippers dance with the Torah scrolls around the synagogue seven times. This symbolizes the rejoicing and joy of the holiday.
- Simchat Beit Hashoeivah: In some communities, a special celebration called “Simchat Beit Hashoeivah” is held on the evening of Simchat Torah. This celebration includes singing, dancing, and storytelling.
- Torah Procession: During the Hakafot, children are often given the opportunity to march in a procession with the Torah scrolls. This is a symbolic way of encouraging the younger generation to embrace Torah study.
Significance of Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a reminder of the importance of Torah in Jewish life. It is a celebration of the Jewish people’s connection to their sacred text and of the ongoing tradition of Jewish learning. By dancing and rejoicing with the Torah, Jews express their gratitude for the gift of God’s word.
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday, October 12th | Monday, October 13th |
| 2024 | Tuesday, September 24th | Wednesday, September 25th |
Hanukkah 2025 and 2024
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Maccabees’ victory over the Seleucids and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. In 2025, Hanukkah will begin on the evening of December 7th and end on the evening of December 15th. In 2024, it will begin on the evening of December 2nd and end on the evening of December 10th.
Observances and Traditions
Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a menorah, a candelabra with nine branches. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit; on the second night, two candles are lit; and so on, until all nine candles are lit on the eighth night. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah.
Dreidels and Latkes
Other Hanukkah traditions include playing dreidel, a spinning top with four Hebrew letters, and eating latkes, potato pancakes. Dreidel is played by spinning the top and betting on which letter will land facing up. Latkes are made from grated potatoes, onions, and eggs, and are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
Gifts and Sweets
In some Jewish communities, children receive gifts on Hanukkah. Traditional Hanukkah gifts include books, toys, and money. Sweets such as sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and hamantaschen (tri-cornered cookies) are also popular Hanukkah treats.
Community Gatherings
Hanukkah is a time for family and community gatherings. Many Jewish communities host public menorah lightings, concerts, and other events to celebrate the holiday.
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 7th | December 15th |
| 2024 | December 2nd | December 10th |
Tu B’Shevat 2025 and 2024
Tu B’Shevat is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the new year of the trees. It is observed on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, which usually falls in January or February. In 2025, Tu B’Shevat will begin on the evening of Saturday, February 15, and end on the evening of Sunday, February 16. In 2024, Tu B’Shevat will begin on the evening of Friday, January 26, and end on the evening of Saturday, January 27.
Customs and Traditions
Tu B’Shevat is a time to reflect on the importance of trees and to appreciate the bounty of nature. Traditional customs include:
* Planting trees or donating to organizations that plant trees
* Eating fruits and nuts
* Reading from the Torah portion that discusses the laws of fruit trees
* Reciting special prayers and blessings
Symbolism
Tu B’Shevat is also a time to reflect on the spiritual symbolism of trees. Trees are seen as symbols of life, growth, and renewal. Their roots represent our connection to the past, their trunks represent our present, and their branches represent our hopes for the future.
Environmental Awareness
In recent years, Tu B’Shevat has become increasingly associated with environmental awareness. Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to learn about and advocate for environmental protection.
Celebrating Tu B’Shevat
There are many ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat. Here are a few ideas:
* Plant a tree in your yard or neighborhood
* Donate to a tree-planting organization
* Visit a local arboretum or botanical garden
* Read from the Torah portion on fruit trees
* Recite special prayers and blessings
* Eat fruits and nuts
* Share your appreciation for nature with others
Purim 2025 and 2024
Purim, a joyous and festive holiday, celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s evil plot in the Persian Empire. This observance features vibrant costumes, traditional delicacies, and a festive atmosphere.
2025 Observances:
Purim 2025 begins at sunset on Sunday, March 8th, and ends at nightfall on Monday, March 9th.
2024 Observances:
Purim 2024 begins at sunset on Saturday, March 15th, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, March 16th.
Significance of the Number 7:
The number 7 holds special significance in Purim. It is mentioned seven times in the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), which recounts the story of the holiday:
| Verse | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:1 | Xerxes’s feast lasted seven days |
| 7:8 | Haman hides his plot in his heart for seven days |
| 7:10 | Haman builds a gallows seventy cubits high (50 feet) |
| 7:12 | Haman sends seven chamberlains to invite Esther |
| 7:16 | Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai |
| 9:17-18 | The Jews celebrate the deliverance with feasting and merriment for seven days in Shushan and three days in the rest of the empire |
These seven occurrences symbolize the miraculous nature of the Jewish people’s salvation and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Passover 2025 and 2024
Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The holiday is celebrated with a festive meal called a Seder, which includes symbolic foods such as matzah (unleavened bread) and maror (bitter herbs).
Dates
Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. In 2025, Passover will begin on Tuesday, March 31st, and end on Wednesday, April 8th. In 2024, Passover will begin on Thursday, March 20th, and end on Friday, March 28th.
Customs
Some of the traditional customs associated with Passover include:
- Eating matzah
- Drinking four cups of wine at the Seder
- Telling the story of the Exodus
- Singing traditional Passover songs
Significance
Passover is a time for Jews to reflect on the importance of freedom and to celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people. The holiday is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and social justice.
Eight Days of Passover
Passover is celebrated for eight days, with the first and last days being the most important. During this time, Jews are forbidden from eating leavened bread (bread that contains yeast). This is to commemorate the fact that the Israelites left Egypt in such a hurry that they did not have time to let their bread rise.
| Date | Day of Passover |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 31st, 2025 | First day of Passover |
| Wednesday, April 8th, 2025 | Last day of Passover |
Shavuot 2025 and 2024
Shavuot Date and Days Observed
The Jewish holiday of Shavuot is celebrated on the 6th and 7th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. In 2025, Shavuot will begin on the evening of Sunday, May 18th, and end on the evening of Tuesday, May 20th. In 2024, Shavuot will begin on the evening of Sunday, June 2nd, and end on the evening of Tuesday, June 4th.
Meaning of Shavuot
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. It is also known as the “Feast of Weeks” because it falls seven weeks after the first day of Passover.
Customs and Traditions of Shavuot
On Shavuot, Jews traditionally study the Torah, eat dairy foods, and decorate their homes with flowers and greenery. Dairy foods are eaten on Shavuot because it is believed that the Torah was given on a day when the Jewish people were all eating dairy products.
Blessings and Prayers for Shavuot
There are several special blessings and prayers that are said on Shavuot. The most well-known blessing is the “Shehecheyanu” blessing, which is said when doing something for the first time in the year.
Additional Information About Shavuot
In addition to the information above, here are some other interesting facts about Shavuot:
- The name “Shavuot” comes from the Hebrew word “shavuah,” which means “week.” The holiday is named this because it falls on the seventh week after Passover.
- Shavuot is one of the three major Jewish holidays, along with Passover and Sukkot.
- Shavuot is also known in many countries in Eastern Europe as a fertility holiday.
- It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot, such as cheesecake, blintzes, and kreplach.
- Shavuot is a time for joy and celebration, and it is often celebrated with family and friends.
Shavuot 2025 and 2024 Calendar
The following table shows the dates of Shavuot in 2025 and 2024:
Year Start Date End Date 2025 Sunday, May 18th Tuesday, May 20th 2024 Sunday, June 2nd Tuesday, June 4th Tisha B’Av 2025 and 2024
Tisha B’Av, also known as the Ninth of Av, is a solemn day of mourning and fasting in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a series of tragic events in Jewish history, including the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
Date and Observance
In 2025, Tisha B’Av will be observed from the evening of July 29th to the evening of July 30th. In 2024, it will fall on July 18th-19th.
Commemorated Events
On Tisha B’Av, Jews mourn the following events:
- The breaking of the Ten Commandments by the Israelites at Mount Sinai
- The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE
- The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE
Customs and Traditions
During Tisha B’Av, it is customary to:
- Fast from food and drink
- Sit on low chairs or on the floor
- Refrain from bathing or anointing oneself
- Read the Book of Lamentations
Significance
Tisha B’Av is a day to reflect on the tragedies of the past and to renew one’s commitment to Jewish tradition and values. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of Jewish existence and the importance of unity and hope.
Communal Gatherings
On Tisha B’Av, many Jewish communities gather in synagogues or other public spaces to participate in communal prayers, readings, and lamentations. These gatherings provide an opportunity for collective mourning and reflection.
Contemporary Relevance
Tisha B’Av remains a relevant day in contemporary Jewish life, even though the specific events it commemorates occurred centuries ago. It continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of remembrance, the resilience of the Jewish people, and the ongoing struggle for Jewish justice.
Table of Dates
Year Observance 2025 July 29th – July 30th 2024 July 18th – July 19th 2025 and 2024 Jewish Holidays
The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning that it is based on both the cycles of the moon and the sun. As a result, the dates of Jewish holidays can vary from year to year. The following are the dates of the major Jewish holidays in 2025 and 2024:
2025
* Rosh Hashanah: September 25-26
* Yom Kippur: October 4-5
* Sukkot: October 13-19
* Simchat Torah: October 19-202024
* Rosh Hashanah: September 14-15
* Yom Kippur: September 22-23
* Sukkot: October 1-7
* Simchat Torah: October 7-8People Also Ask About Jewish Holidays 2025 and 2024
Is Rosh Hashanah the same day in 2025 and 2024?
No, Rosh Hashanah is not the same day in 2025 and 2024. In 2025, Rosh Hashanah begins on September 25, while in 2024, it begins on September 14.
Do Jewish holidays always fall on the same day?
No, Jewish holidays do not always fall on the same day. This is because the Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning that it is based on both the cycles of the moon and the sun. As a result, the dates of Jewish holidays can vary from year to year.
What is the most important Jewish holiday?
The most important Jewish holiday is Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, and it is a day of fasting and prayer. On Yom Kippur, Jews ask God for forgiveness for their sins.
