Wishing You Health and Happiness for the New Year!
As we reflect on the past year and get ready to ring in 2025, we appreciate your readership and are looking forward to another year together!
Read on below to find out how Israelis are ringing in the secular New Year + what you can do to best support Israel in 2025.
We’re sending best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful New Year, from our entire team in Jerusalem!
New Year's Celebrations in Israel
January 1st is normally a regular workday in Israel and officially not much more than a date change in the secular calendar, which is used alongside the Hebrew calendar, with Rosh Hashanah as the Jewish New Year and an important national celebration.
However, many Israelis still enjoy celebrating New Year’s Eve – often called Sylvester, the name used by the German Jewish immigrants who first popularized the holiday in Israel in the 1930’s – although the practice is not as widespread as in some other Western countries.
There are various parties, concerts, and special events throughout the country, and particularly in Tel Aviv – an energy-filled city that’s always looking for a reason to celebrate! Many Israelis will go out, socialize, and toast the New Year with their loved ones.
Immigrants to Israel from cultures where New Year’s observance is widespread often keep their customs in their new home. Russian Israelis are particularly known for their Novy God (“New Year”) celebrations – characterized by large family meals, traditional foods, presents, decorated trees, and merrymaking.
The Israeli work week is Sunday-Thursday, which means that both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day this year will be regular workdays. Those who don’t want to stay up late on Tuesday night, December 31st, might instead celebrate the New Year at the start of their weekend on Thursday evening, or incorporate it into their shabbat festivities that are already normally characterized by festive meals with friends and family.
This year, the New Year no doubt feels bittersweet for many, with the ongoing war with Hamas and Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Some Israelis and supporters of Israel are finding it meaningful to ring in 2025 by volunteering to assist the war effort, donating to local organizations, praying, wearing shirts to show their support for Israel or call for a release of hostages, or lighting candles for hostages and soldiers.
Check out some of the best ways to express your love for the land and people of Israel with our top 10 gifts, all from local Israeli designers.
How you can support Israel in the New Year
Israel needs your support as always! Some of the best ways that you can express your love for the Jewish state include:
- Supporting the Israeli economy and small businesses by ordering from local Israeli artists and designers on our site
- Wearing clothing that proudly displays your support for Israel
- Staying informed on news from Israel
- Learning about Israeli history and culture - including in our blog!
- Sharing positive news about Israel on social media
- Following pro-Israel social media accounts, like our partners Israel in My Heart
- Celebrating the Israeli military that protects the Jewish state, with IDF clothing and gifts
- Wearing jewelry that expresses your connection to the Land of Israel
And of course, Judaica WebStore is here to help you connect with the Land of Israel from afar, with some of the best art, Judaica, jewelry, and Israeli souvenirs and other gifts sent straight to you from Israel’s talented artisans and designers.
Happy New Year from Israel!
See our top 10 favorite IDF gifts to proudly display your support for the army of the Jewish people and the brave soldiers that protect Israel every day.
