Short backgrounds on observances across the faiths listed on this site.
Holiday names open the Holiday Calendar with dates for that observance.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean revolt. According to Jewish tradition, a one-day supply of ritually pure oil burned for eight days during the rededication. The eight-day festival is marked by lighting the hanukkiah, adding one light each night, along with songs, games, and foods fried in oil. Hanukkah is not subject to the work restrictions of the major Jewish festivals.
Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of the Omer, the period counted between Passover and Shavuot. Traditions associate the day particularly with Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and with the end of a plague among Rabbi Akiva's students. Some mourning practices observed during the Omer are suspended, and celebrations may include bonfires, music, weddings, and outdoor gatherings. It is not a work-restricted festival.
Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and liberation from slavery. The festival begins with the Seder, during which the Exodus story is retold through the Haggadah, symbolic foods, questions, and ritual practices. Throughout Passover, leavened grain products known as chametz are prohibited, while matzah is eaten. The festival lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora.
Pesach Sheni, the Second Passover, falls on 14 Iyar, one month after the date of the Passover offering. In the Torah, it provided a second opportunity to bring the Passover sacrifice for those who had been unable to do so at the appointed time. Today it is a minor observance, with some communities marking it by eating matzah and reflecting on themes of second chances and spiritual return.
Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's planned destruction, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Its central observances include hearing the Megillah, giving gifts of food known as mishloach manot, giving charity to those in need, and sharing a festive meal. Costumes and celebrations are also common. Purim is observed on 14 Adar in most communities.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days. Observed for two days, it is a time of judgment, prayer, reflection, and repentance. The sounding of the shofar is its central ritual observance, except when the first day falls on Shabbat. Traditional foods such as apples dipped in honey express hopes for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah begins the Ten Days of Repentance leading to Yom Kippur.
Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and also has ancient agricultural significance as a harvest festival. Traditions include Torah study through the night, reading the Book of Ruth, and eating dairy foods. It is celebrated fifty days after the beginning of Passover and is one of the Torah's three pilgrimage festivals. Shavuot lasts one day in Israel and two days in the diaspora.
Shemini Atzeret is a distinct festival immediately following the seven days of Sukkot. Its name means Eighth Day of Assembly, and it is marked by prayer and festive meals. The prayer for rain begins during its liturgy, and Yizkor is recited in many communities. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day; in the diaspora, Simchat Torah follows on the second day.
Shushan Purim is the observance of Purim on 15 Adar rather than 14 Adar. It is celebrated in Jerusalem and in certain other cities that qualify under Jewish law based on their ancient walled status, recalling that the Jews of the Persian capital Shushan rested and celebrated a day later than those elsewhere. Most Jewish communities observe Purim on the preceding day.
Simchat Torah celebrates the completion and immediate restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle. Synagogues celebrate with processions and dancing with Torah scrolls, known as hakafot, along with special Torah readings. In Israel, Simchat Torah coincides with Shemini Atzeret; in the diaspora, it is celebrated the following day. The observance emphasizes the continuing cycle of Torah study.
Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, is a seven-day festival commemorating God's protection of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness and celebrating the harvest. A central observance is dwelling and eating in a temporary structure called a sukkah. Another is taking the Four Species, including the lulav and etrog. Sukkot is one of the Torah's three pilgrimage festivals.
Tisha B'Av is the principal Jewish day of mourning, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies associated with the date. The fast begins at sunset and continues until nightfall the following day. The Book of Lamentations is read, and mourning practices include sitting on low seats and refraining from ordinary comforts.
Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, is a joyful date in the Jewish calendar with origins in several events recorded in rabbinic tradition. It became particularly associated with matchmaking and marriage, recalling an ancient custom in which young women of Jerusalem went out to dance in the vineyards. Today it may be marked with celebrations, weddings, and expressions of love and community.
Tu BiShvat, the 15th of Shevat, is traditionally known as the New Year for Trees. Originally significant for calculating agricultural obligations in Jewish law, it later developed customs centered on fruits and the Land of Israel. Many communities eat fruits associated with Israel, hold a Tu BiShvat seder, plant trees, or reflect on the natural world.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. Beginning before sunset and ending after nightfall the following day, it is devoted to fasting, prayer, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, culminating in the Ne'ilah service as the fast draws to a close, followed by a final sounding of the shofar.
This holiday reference covers major observances across the faiths listed on this site. Local and regional customs can still differ. If something important to your community is missing, or a description needs a correction, please write to us at info@mysacredtimes.com.
