Jewish Holidays

What Are the Major Jewish Holidays?

Yakira
April 30, 2025

There are three “major” holidays in Judaism that are known as the “Shalosh Regalim,” which are the three pilgrimage festivals: Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot. This term relates to when all Israelites who were able to make the journey were expected to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, as commanded by G-d in the Torah.

Sukkot

Sukkot is the first of the three, and it is a week-long holiday that takes place in the fall. It is known as “Chag Ha’Asif,” the Festival of Ingathering, as well as” Chag HaSukkot,” which translates to the Festival of Booths. These names represent the spirit of the holiday: It commemorates the temporary dwellings the Israelites lived in, as well as the miraculous protection Hashem provided for them when they left Egypt. Moreover, it is an expression of thanks and appreciation for the crops that Hashem has provided for the Jews in Israel that are harvested at this time of year. Sukkot is celebrated by building and dwelling in a sukkah, or “booth,” throughout the entirety of the holiday, and by taking the Arba’at Haminim, the “four kinds” or the “four species,” which represent the unity of the Jewish people: An etrog (citron), a lulav (palm frond), three hadassim (myrtle twigs), and two aravot (willow twigs).

Pesach

Pesach (Passover) is also a week-long holiday, and it takes place in the early spring. It commemorates the Israelities’ exodus from the land of Egypt, and it has multiple different names as well: “Chag HaPesach” – Pesach meaning to pass over, as G-d passed over the homes of the Israelites in Egypt, and also the sacrificial lamb; “Chag HaCheirut” – the Festival of Freedom, which refers to the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt; “Chag HaMatzot” – the Holiday of Matzot, the unleavened bread; and “Chag Ha’Aviv” – the Holiday of Spring. The holiday is celebrated by holding a Seder which includes four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus; and by not eating anything considered “chametz” (leavened grain) and instead, eating matzah.

Shavuot

Shavuot is a two-day holiday that celebrates the completion of Sefirat HaOmer, which is the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. It commemorates the day Hashem gave the Torah to the Jews on Mount Sinai. The name “shavuot” literally translates to “weeks,” signaling the end of the counting of the weeks, and “oaths,” for on this day G‑d swore eternal devotion to the Jewish people, and they in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him. This holiday also has multiple other names: “Yom Habikurim” – the Day of the First Fruits, “Chag HaKatzir” – the Harvest Festival, and “Zman Matan Torahteinu” – the Time of the Giving of Our Torah. Megillat Ruth is also recited on this day in synagogue.

Other “Major” Holidays

The High Holidays - Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and it is a two-day holiday that is celebrated on the first and second days of the month of Tishrei. The wish for a sweet new year is celebrated by dipping an apple in honey, and by dipping the challah (bread) into honey instead of salt. Some communities do a Rosh Hashanah Seder both nights, in which specific foods are eaten after reciting the blessings and wishes for a sweet new year. It is also customary to eat a new fruit on the second night. Moreover, Rosh Hashanah is a holiday of prayer and joy, and every individual must hear the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn).

Yom Kippur is a fast day that takes place exactly ten days after Rosh Hashanah. This period of time is known as the “Yamim Noraim.” The holiday is observed by not eating or drinking, not wearing shoes with leather soles, no washing or bathing, and not applying lotions or creams. The day is mainly spent in synagogue, immersed in prayer. Leading up to the holiday, selichot are said, kaparot are performed beforehand, most people give extra tzedakah (charity), and it is customary to go to the mikvah the day before and bless your children during the evening, after eating the Seudah Mafseket, the festive meal, right before the holiday officially starts.

Hanukkah

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt. It is observed by lighting the Menorah, or Hanukkiah, each night. On the first night, one candle is lit, and an additional candle is added each subsequent night until all eight are illuminated, by using a helped candle called the shamash to light them. It is customary to eat oily and fried foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot, to commemorate the miracle of the small jug of oil that lasted for eight days in the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is also a time for playing with dreidels, giving gelt (coins or chocolate coins) to children, singing festive songs, and gathering with family and friends to celebrate perseverance, faith, and light.

Purim

Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (or Adar II in leap years). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them, as recorded in the Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). A central mitzvah (commandment) of Purim is to hear the Megillah read twice: Once on Purim evening, and again the following morning. The holiday is marked by several customs: Giving mishloach manot (gift baskets of food) to friends, donating to the poor (matanot la'evyonim), enjoying a festive meal (seudat Purim), and dressing up in costumes and participating in lively celebrations. The day before Purim, many observe the Fast of Esther, commemorating the fast that Queen Esther and the Jewish people undertook before she approached King Ahasuerus. Purim is a day of joy, unity, and gratitude, emphasizing the hidden miracles that led to the Jewish people's deliverance.

Simchat Torah / Shemini Atzeret

This holiday is celebrated on the last day of Sukkot. In Israel it is a single-day holiday, whereas in the diaspora, it is two-days long. Shemini Atzeret introduces the prayer for rain, officially commemorating the start of the rainy season, and the Yizkor prayer. Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion of reading and finishing all the Torah portions, and starting them anew. It is observed by marching and dancing with the Torah scrolls in synagogue.

Honorable Mentions

Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat, often referred to as the New Year for Trees, celebrates nature, particularly trees and the environment. It falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. Traditionally, people celebrate by planting trees, eating fruits—especially those from the land of Israel, such as figs, dates, pomegranates, and olives—and reciting blessings. The holiday is seen as a time to connect with the earth and reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Lag B'Omer

This holiday falls on the 33rd day of Sefirat HaOmer, the counting period between Passover and Shavuot. It is celebrated with bonfires, picnics, and outdoor activities. The day marks the end of a mourning period during the Omer when, according to tradition, a plague affected Rabbi Akiva's students. It is also associated with the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered sage and mystic, who is believed to have revealed the secrets of the Kabbalah on this day.

Yom Ha'atzmaut

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, celebrates the establishment of the modern State of Israel and the Jewish people's return to their homeland. It is marked with fireworks, barbecues, flag-waving, and a strong sense of unity and gratitude. Whether in Israel or around the world, Jews celebrate with festive gatherings, music, and pride in Israel’s history, resilience, and future. Hallel is recited on this day, although not all communities say it with the blessing. Yom Ha’atzmaut also follows Yom HaZikaron.

Memorial Days - Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorates the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust. It is observed with memorial ceremonies, the sounding of sirens across Israel, and moments of silent reflection. The day is dedicated to remembering the victims, honoring the survivors, and reaffirming the commitment to "Never Forget" and to fight against hatred and antisemitism.

Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, honors the soldiers who fell defending the State of Israel and victims of terrorism. It is observed with solemn ceremonies, sirens that bring the entire country to a standstill, and national gatherings at military cemeteries and memorial sites. The day is marked by deep reflection, mourning, and gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's security and independence. It also precedes Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Fast Days

Fast of Gedaliah

This fast day occurs on the 3rd of Tishrei, the day following Rosh Hashanah. It commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam, the Jewish governor appointed by the Babylonians after the destruction of the First Temple. His death led to the final collapse of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel, and the fast serves as a day of mourning for the loss of Jewish leadership and the end of an era.

Asarah B’Tevet

This fast day is observed on the 10th of Tevet and marks the siege of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, which eventually led to the destruction of the First Temple. This fast day is a time of reflection on the beginning of the Jewish people's exile and the tragic events that followed. It is a day of personal and communal repentance, as it marks the start of a series of calamities for the Jewish people.

17th of Tamuz

This fast day marks the breach of the walls of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE, signaling the beginning of the end for the Second Temple. It is a fast day that commemorates a series of tragedies, including the breaking of the tablets by Moses upon witnessing the Golden Calf and other historical calamities. It marks the start of the three weeks of mourning leading up to Tisha B’Av.

Tisha B’Av

Otherwise known as the ninth of Av, the Hebrew month, this fast day is the most solemn fast day in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies in Jewish history. It is observed with a 25-hour fast, along with mourning practices such as refraining from work, sitting on low stools, and reciting Kinnot (dirges) to remember the suffering. Megillat Eicha is read during the evening. Tisha B'Av is a day for reflecting on loss, exile, and the longing for redemption and rebuilding.