Jewish Holidays in Israel
Please note that these dates are based on the Gregorian calendar and may vary slightly depending on the specific observance or local customs. It's always advisable to consult a reliable Jewish calendar or local synagogue for precise details. Please note that the Israeli Jewish population is comprised of both observant and secular Jew, and although the main religious Jewish holidays- Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Passover and Shavuot are celebrated by the majority of Jewish Israelis, the atmosphere is different in secular areas - with food establishments open, etc. In observant areas- such as many parts of Jerusalem, most food establishments are closed.
Jewish Holidays - 2024
Judaism and Israel have quite a few holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. Here is a list of major Jewish holidays along with brief descriptions:
Tu B'Shevat:* January 31, 2024
Known as the New Year for Trees, it is a day of ecological awareness and is often marked by planting trees. Most stores and businesses are open on that day.
Purim:* March 6, 2024
A joyous Jewish festival marking the triumph of the Jewish people over a plot to exterminate them in ancient Persia. The story is recounted in the Book of Esther, where Queen Esther, with the help of her cousin Mordecai, foils the evil Haman's plan to annihilate the Jewish community. The day is marked by festive meals, the reading of the Book of Esther (Megillah), and the exchange of gifts, known as mishloach manot. The wearing of costumes and masks is a common tradition, symbolizing the hidden nature of miracles in the Purim story.
Passover (Pesach):* April 19 - April 27, 2024
Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a significant Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover is marked by the Seder, a ritual meal where the story of the Exodus is retold through the Haggadah. During the eight days (seven days in Israel) of Passover, leavened bread (chametz) is avoided, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as they did not have time for their bread to rise. Matzah, unleavened bread, becomes a central element of the Passover diet. As it's one of the major Jewish holidays, most businesses are closed on that day, although restaurant and other food establishments in secular areas do open. During the week following the first day of the holiday, businesses are generally open. Pay attention as most food establishments and supermarkets do not sell wheat products such as bread, pasta, beer, etc. Some supermarkets in mostly secular or non-Jewish populations do sell bread and such products.
Holocaust Memorial Day: April 8, 2024
Holocaust Memorial Day, known as Yom HaShoah in Israel, is a solemn and poignant day dedicated to remembering the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. Observed on the 27th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, Yom HaShoah is marked by ceremonies, memorial services, and a nationwide two-minute siren, during which the entire country comes to a standstill to honor the memory of the victims. Schools, businesses, and public institutions often hold educational programs and events to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. In the evening of the day, all businesses, night clubs and food establishments are closed, but on the day itself, most businesses are open, but a somber atmosphere is maintained.
National Memorial Day for Military, security and terrorism casualties: April 15, 2024
Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, is a solemn and profound occasion dedicated to honoring the memory of the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the State of Israel and commemorating victims of terrorism. The day preceding Independence Day, Yom HaZikaron is marked by ceremonies, memorial services, and a nationwide siren that brings the country to a standstill. Throughout the day, Israelis reflect on the sacrifices made by their fellow citizens, visiting cemeteries and memorial sites to pay tribute to the fallen. The somber atmosphere underscores the deep sense of gratitude and respect for those who gave their lives to secure the nation's independence and protect its citizens. The transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom HaAtzmaut, Independence Day, symbolizes the indelible link between remembrance and the celebration of Israel's sovereignty.
Israel's Independence day: April 16, 2024
Israel Independence Day, or Yom HaAtzmaut, is a day of jubilation and national pride marking the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Following the solemnity of Yom HaZikaron, Independence Day represents a dramatic shift in atmosphere as the nation transitions to celebration. Festivities include communal gatherings, parades, concerts, and vibrant displays of Israeli flags. The day holds deep significance, not only as a celebration of sovereignty but also as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Jewish people.
Lag BaOmer:May 8, 2024
Lag BaOmer is a unique and festive Jewish holiday that holds a distinctive place in Israel's cultural and religious calendar. Lag BaOmer is marked by joyous festivities, particularly in the form of bonfires. Across the country, people gather around these symbolic fires, adding a vibrant glow to the night sky. The day is also linked to the revered mystic Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and many make pilgrimages to his burial site in Meron in Northern Israel. Families often engage in outdoor activities, and children traditionally play with bows and arrows. Lag BaOmer embodies a blend of historical significance, mysticism, and communal celebration, making it a time of joy and camaraderie. Businesses and food establishments are generally open on this day.
Shavuot: June 7 - June 9, 2024
Shavuot, often referred to as the Festival of Weeks, is a significant Jewish holiday celebrated on the sixth and seventh days of the month of Sivan. With agricultural roots as the wheat harvest festival, Shavuot also holds immense religious importance, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Traditionally observed 50 days after Passover, the holiday marks the completion of the counting of the Omer, a period of anticipation and spiritual preparation. Synagogue services include the reading of the Book of Ruth, emphasizing themes of loyalty and devotion, and the recitation of the Ten Commandments. One distinctive custom is the consumption of dairy products, symbolizing the sweetness of the Torah, and the adornment of homes and synagogues with flowers and greenery. Shavuot serves as a time for spiritual reflection, Torah study, and communal celebration, emphasizing the enduring covenant between the Jewish people and God. Most Businesses are closed on this day, although food establishments in secular areas may be open.
Rosh Hashanah September 30 - October 1, 2024
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a deeply significant and reflective holiday that marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. Observed on the first and second days of the month of the Jewish month of Tishrei, Rosh Hashanah is a time of spiritual introspection, repentance, and renewal. Central to the observance is the sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn, symbolizing a call to self-examination and a reminder of the divine coronation of God as King. Families gather for festive meals, featuring symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey, expressing the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead. Special prayers, including the poignant Unetanneh Tokef, underscore themes of judgment, repentance, and the recognition of God's sovereignty. As a period of both solemnity and hope, Rosh Hashanah sets the tone for the Ten Days of Repentance, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Most businesses are closed during this two-day holiday, although some food establishments in secular areas may be opened.
Yom Kippur:* October 9, 2024
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, holds a profound and contemplative significance in Israel, observed on the tenth day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. Recognized as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is marked by a collective national pause as Israelis engage in a day of fasting, intensive prayer, and reflection on personal and communal sins.
The atmosphere throughout Israel (with Jewish population) is one of solemnity, with businesses closed, transportation halted, and streets quiet. Synagogues host extended and emotionally charged services, featuring the haunting Kol Nidre prayer. The practice of seeking forgiveness from others and from God is a central theme, with the day concluding at sunset with the piercing sound of the shofar.
In secular areas, non-observant Israelis, especially children, ride their bicycles and skates on the car-free roads, and some avid bicycle riders from around the world actually fly to Israel to ride on the hundreds of Kilometers of car-free roads and highways. Be careful though! Although most citizens respect the day and do not drive, no law forbids driving on Yom Kippur, so there are occasional cars, and not all drivers are cautious enough.
Sukkot:* October 14 - October 21, 2024
Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a joyous and harvest-centered Jewish holidays. Central to the observance is the construction of sukkahs, which serve as a symbolic reminder of the Israelites' sojourn in the wilderness after the Exodus. Families gather to share meals, and some even sleep in these sukkahs, under the open sky, as a way of connecting with nature and expressing gratitude for the harvest. The "Four Species" – the etrog (citron), lulav (palm branch), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow) – are ritually waved during prayers, symbolizing unity and the diverse facets of the Jewish people. Sukkot represents a time of rejoicing, hospitality, and spiritual reflection, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the importance of gratitude for the blessings of abundance.. It's one of the three major holidays in the Jewish faith, so most businesses are closed on that day. Food establishments in secular areas may be open.
Simchat Torah:* October 22, 2024
Also known as the Second Holiday of Sukkot, it celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Bible readings and the beginning of a new cycle. Torah scrolls are danced and paraded in synagogues.
Hanukkah:* December 22 - December 30, 2024
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a festive and joyous Jewish holiday observed for eight nights, typically falling in December. Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple of Jerusalem, where a small amount of oil miraculously lasted for eight days during the rededication of the Temple. The central ritual involves the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, adding one candle for each night, and the recitation of special prayers. Traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are enjoyed, symbolizing the significance of oil in the holiday's history. Families exchange gifts, play the dreidel game, and come together to celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people and the triumph of light over darkness.
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, in their revolt against the Seleucid Empire during the second century BCE. The revolt was sparked by the oppressive measures imposed on the Jewish people, including the outlawing of Jewish religious practices. Led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, the Maccabees successfully reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Seleucids. Hanukkah serves as a time for reflection on religious freedom, dedication, and the enduring spirit of hope and perseverance.
Businesses and food establishments generally operate as usual during the eight-day holidy.
