As the crisp autumn air ushers in the month of October in 2025, the Jewish community gears up for a season brimming with significant holidays. These observances offer profound opportunities for reflection, celebration, and spiritual renewal, weaving together the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition.
Opening the month with a solemn tone is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Observed from sunset on October 4th to nightfall on October 5th, this is a day of fasting, introspection, and repentance. Jews worldwide engage in a profound self-examination, seeking forgiveness for their wrongdoings and renewing their commitment to ethical living. The culmination of the High Holiday season, Yom Kippur offers a unique chance for spiritual renewal and personal growth.
Transitioning from the introspection of Yom Kippur to the joy of Sukkot, the Jewish community celebrates the harvest festival from October 11th to October 18th. Sukkot commemorates the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus, and it is celebrated by building temporary shelters known as sukkahs. Families spend their time together in these sukkahs, enjoying festive meals and sharing stories, and it serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the Jewish people throughout history.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a two-day holiday that marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, a period of introspection and repentance. In 2025, Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of October 14 and ends on the evening of October 16.
Traditions
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including attending synagogue services, eating special foods, and blowing the shofar, a ram’s horn. The holiday also marks the beginning of a period of increased prayer and reflection, as Jews seek to atone for their sins and start the new year with a clean slate.
Foods
Traditional Rosh Hashanah foods include apples and honey, which symbolize a sweet new year. Other common foods include challah (a braided bread), pomegranates, and fish. These foods are often served at a festive meal that is shared with family and friends.
| Food | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Apples and honey | A sweet new year |
| Challah | Bread of affliction |
| Pomegranates | Fertility and abundance |
| Fish | A symbol of prosperity |
Observing Jewish Holidays in October 2025
October 2025 marks the arrival of several significant Jewish holidays. Here is an in-depth look at each observance:
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on the evening of September 29, 2025, and concludes on the evening of October 1. It is a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn) to usher in the High Holidays.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, follows Rosh Hashanah on October 8-9, 2025. It is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, marked by a 25-hour fast, intense prayer, and a focus on repentance and reconciliation.
Sukkot
Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, begins on the evening of October 11, 2025, and concludes on the evening of October 18. It commemorates the Israelites’ wanderings in the desert after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. During Sukkot, Jews build and dwell in temporary shelters called sukkahs.
Shemini Atzeret
Shemini Atzeret, also known as the Eighth Day of Assembly, falls on October 19, 2025. It is a one-day holiday that follows Sukkot. It is considered a separate holiday from Sukkot, although the two are often referred to collectively as “Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret.”
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah, the Rejoicing of the Torah, is celebrated on October 20, 2025. It marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle.
Hoshanah Rabbah
Hoshanah Rabbah, the Great Hosanna, is a special day observed during Sukkot on October 16-17, 2025. It is a day of fervent prayer and ritual processions with willow branches.
Yizkor
Yizkor, meaning “to remember,” is observed during the High Holidays and on certain other occasions. During Yizkor, Jews remember and pray for the souls of their departed loved ones.
Important Dates
| Holiday | Begins | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah | September 29, 2025 | October 1, 2025 |
| Yom Kippur | October 8, 2025 | October 9, 2025 |
| Sukkot | October 11, 2025 | October 18, 2025 |
| Shemini Atzeret | October 19, 2025 | October 19, 2025 |
| Simchat Torah | October 20, 2025 | October 20, 2025 |
| Hoshanah Rabbah | October 16, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
Traditions and Customs of the Jewish Holidays in October 2025
Sukkot:
Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is celebrated from October 11-18, 2025. This holiday commemorates the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert after leaving Egypt. During Sukkot, Jews build temporary shelters called sukkahs, and they eat meals and spend time outside in them.
Simchat Torah:
Simchat Torah, meaning “rejoicing of the Torah,” is celebrated on October 19, 2025. This holiday marks the completion of the yearly Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one. During Simchat Torah, Jews dance with Torah scrolls and celebrate with singing and feasting.
Hoshana Rabbah:
Hoshana Rabbah, meaning “Great Salvation,” is celebrated on October 18, 2025. This is the seventh and final day of Sukkot, and it is considered a day of atonement and forgiveness. Jews pray and recite special prayers called hoshanas on this day.
Hakhel:
Hakhel, meaning “to assemble,” is a special commandment that occurs every seven years. In 2025, Hakhel will be observed on October 15, 2025. On this day, all Jews are commanded to gather in Jerusalem to hear the Torah read by the king. The last Hakhel observance was in 2018, so the next one will be in 2025.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah:
Shemini Atzeret, meaning “Eighth Day of Assembly,” is celebrated on October 19, 2025. This day marks the end of the Sukkot festival and is a day of joy and celebration. Jews pray and celebrate with singing and dancing on Shemini Atzeret.
Yom Kippur:
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is celebrated on October 4, 2025. This is the holiest day of the Jewish year, and it is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Jews spend Yom Kippur in synagogue, praying for forgiveness for their sins and seeking atonement.
Sukkot:
Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is celebrated from October 11-18, 2025. This holiday commemorates the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert after leaving Egypt. During Sukkot, Jews build temporary shelters called sukkahs, and they eat meals and spend time outside in them.
Simchat Torah:
Simchat Torah, meaning “rejoicing of the Torah,” is celebrated on October 19, 2025. This holiday marks the completion of the yearly Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one. During Simchat Torah, Jews dance with Torah scrolls and celebrate with singing and feasting.
Hoshana Rabbah:
Hoshana Rabbah, meaning “Great Salvation,” is celebrated on October 18, 2025. This is the seventh and final day of Sukkot, and it is considered a day of atonement and forgiveness. Jews pray and recite special prayers called hoshanas on this day.
The Impact of the Jewish Holidays in October 2025
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, typically falls in September, but in 2025, it will begin on the evening of Wednesday, October 1st, and continue until nightfall on Friday, October 3rd. During Rosh Hashanah, Jews commemorate the creation of the world and celebrate the renewal of their covenant with God.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. In 2025, it will commence at nightfall on Saturday, October 4th, and end at nightfall on Sunday, October 5th. Jews observe Yom Kippur with fasting, prayer, and introspection, seeking forgiveness for their sins and reconciliation with God and others.
Sukkot
Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, begins on the evening of Sunday, October 12th, and lasts until nightfall on Thursday, October 16th, in 2025. Jews construct temporary shelters (sukkahs) and eat their meals inside them to commemorate the Israelites’ journey through the desert after their liberation from Egypt.
Shemini Atzeret
Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day of Assembly, follows Sukkot and occurs at nightfall on Thursday, October 16th, ending at nightfall on Friday, October 17th, in 2025. It is a festive day of prayer and celebration that marks the end of the High Holy Days.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah, the Rejoicing of the Torah, is the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and begins in the evening of Friday, October 17th, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, October 18th, in 2025. Jews celebrate by reading the entire Torah and engaging in songs and dancing.
Cheshvan
Cheshvan, also known as the “Empty Month,” follows the High Holy Days and occurs in Hebrew month of Cheshvan, which partially overlaps with October 2025. It is characterized by introspection and a focus on preparing for the upcoming year.
Economic Impact
The Jewish holidays in October 2025 will have a significant impact on the economy, with businesses closing or operating on reduced hours during Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Restaurants offering kosher food will experience increased demand, and travel to Israel for the holidays will boost tourism.
Social Impact
The Jewish holidays foster a sense of community and togetherness among the Jewish people. Families and friends gather for festive meals and religious services, strengthening their bonds and observing ancient traditions.
The Impact of the Jewish Holidays on Tourism
| Holiday | Dates (2025) | Impact on tourism |
| Rosh Hashanah | October 1-3 | Increased travel to Israel and other pilgrimage sites; kosher food in high demand. |
| Yom Kippur | October 4-5 | Low tourism activity due to fasting and prayer observances. |
| Sukkot | October 12-16 | Increased demand for kosher food and accommodations in areas with large Jewish populations. |
Jewish Holidays in October 2025
In October 2025, there is only one Jewish holiday: Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah is a two-day holiday that begins on the evening of October 12th and ends on the evening of October 13th. Simchat Torah means “rejoicing with the Torah,” and it celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the start of a new cycle. On Simchat Torah, Jews dance with Torah scrolls and sing songs of joy.
People Also Ask About Jewish Holidays in October 2025
When is Rosh Hashanah in October 2025?
Rosh Hashanah is not in October 2025. It begins on the evening of September 29th, 2025, and ends on the evening of October 1st, 2025.
When is Yom Kippur in October 2025?
Yom Kippur is not in October 2025. It begins on the evening of October 8th, 2025, and ends on the evening of October 9th, 2025.
When is Sukkot in October 2025?
Sukkot is not in October 2025. It begins on the evening of October 4th, 2025, and ends on the evening of October 11th, 2025.
