Jewish Holidays

Yael Eckstein and her family gathered at the table holding hands during Passover.

What Is Passover?

April 16, 2024

Over the past 3,000 years, Passover has endured as the most celebrated and widely observed holiday in the Jewish tradition. Passover commemorates the seminal event in Jewish history — the story of the Exodus which led to the birth of the Jewish nation, Israel. In addition, the most basic and fundamental principles found in Judaism.

Yael Eckstein with scarf on her head smiling and celebrating Purim.

What Is Purim?

March 20, 2024

Purim is the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the story of Queen Esther whose courageous act saved the Jewish people.

What Is Tu B'Shvat? - The New Year of Trees

January 18, 2024

This month marks the celebration of Tu B'Shvat, the New Year of the Trees. Discover more about this special day that celebrates God's Creation and the many lessons that we can learn from it.

Yael Eckstein in a mustard headband holding an IFCJ food box with a ribbon on it.

What Are the Jewish Holidays?

January 2, 2024

The Jewish year is marked by a series of holy observances and holidays. This article offers a brief overview of those holidays and their significance to the Jewish faith.

A lit menorah with donuts and other treats behind it.

What Is Hanukkah? - A Season of Miracles and Light

October 1, 2023

Hanukkah is one of the most joyous festivals of the Jewish calendar. Discover more about this celebration of God's wondrous miracles and the many important lessons Hanukkah has for both Christians and Jews through our rich resources.

Jewish man blowing the shofar on a hilltop during the High Holy Days.

What Are the High Holy Days?

August 16, 2023

The High Holy Days are the most widely observed Jewish holidays, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and ending ten days later with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Jewish man praying at the Western Wall with his hands touching the wall.

What Is Tisha B'Av?

July 18, 2023

Tisha B’Av (the Fast of the Ninth of Av) is the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, a day of communal mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people which have occurred on this very day.

Person picking olives from an olive tree.

What Is Shavuot — The Jewish Pentecost?

May 18, 2023

Shavuot (pronounced sha-voo-OHT), which Christians know better from the Greek, Pentecost, is one of three pilgrimage festivals in which Jewish men during biblical times were obligated to go to the Temple in Jerusalem.

Young girl holding two Israeli flags and celebrating Israel's Independence Day

What Is Israel Independence Day?

April 24, 2023

Learn about Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, and how the modern Jewish state came into being and how Israel remains a beacon of democracy.

What Is Yom HaShoah?

April 10, 2023

This year, beginning sundown on May 5th, Israel and Jews worldwide observe Yom HaShoah, Israel Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were brutally murdered at the hands of the Nazi regime.

Young Jewish boy reading the Torah on Simchat Torah holiday.

What Is Simchat Torah?

October 17, 2022

The final day of the Jewish festival Sukkot is known as Simchat Torah, which literally means "Rejoicing in the Torah." On this day, Jews mark the completion of reading through the Torah, from the first chapter of Genesis to the closing words of Deuteronomy.

Rosh Hashanah meal spread out on a blanket with pomegranates and honey.

What Is Rosh Hashanah?

August 16, 2022

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and this year, it begins at sundown on Friday September 15 and is observed for two days. Learn more about the observations associated with celebrating Rosh Hashanah.