December 9, 2024
    How well do you know your Jewish holidays and key celebrations? Review our list of Jewish holidays to brush up on the most important dates of the year.

    A List of Jewish Holidays and Important Celebrations

    According to data from the Pew Research Center, there were over five million Jewish adults in the United States in 2020. 

    The Jewish community has a lot of holidays and celebrations rooted in their religion and culture. This list of Jewish holidays will give more details about important dates in Judaism. Keep reading to learn more. 

    Rosh Hashanah 

    First on the Jewish holiday calendar is Rosh Hashanah. This is also known as the Jewish New Year. 

    Rosh Hashanah officially begins on the first day of Tishrei. This is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar. It typically falls in September or October.

    Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of humanity and the beginning of the Days of Awe. These ten days include festive meals and prayer as well. 

    Yom Kippur 

    The next Jewish holiday on the list is Yom Kippur which is also called the Day of Atonement. This holy day follows Rosh Hashanah.

    According to the Jewish faith, a person’s fate is decided on Yom Kippur. This is why Jewish people celebrate by repenting the sins they committed throughout the year. During Yom Kippur, you spend the day fasting and attend a service as well. 

    Hanukkah

    Hanukkah is one of the upcoming Jewish holidays taking place in winter. This eight-day celebration typically occurs from the end of November through the beginning of December, but the exact days may vary. 

    Hanukkah is also called the Festival of Lights because families celebrate by lighting a candle on the menorah each night. Prayer, gifts, and food are also shared between friends and family.

    Sukkot 

    Other Jewish holiday dates include the celebration of Sukkot. Sukkot is the celebration of the fall harvest that takes place over seven days. 

    Sukkot also honors when the Hebrews ventured through the Sinai wilderness, as they made their way to the Promise Land. The name Sukkot comes from the huts where Jews are supposed to dwell during the week-long festivities. Jews were said to have spent decades in these dwellings after escaping slavery in Egypt. 

    Four species of plants are also held together to celebrate the bounty of the Holy Land. The plants include citron, willow, palm, and myrtle. 

    A Bar Mitzvah

    While there are many holidays throughout the year in Jewish culture, there are also other important celebrations that occur if you grow up Jewish. One important celebration is the bar mitzvah. 

    A bar mitzvah is the coming of age celebration for Jewish boys. It usually takes place on the first sabbath after a boy turns 13. After their bar mitzvah, young boys can lead prayers and participate in fasting celebrations. 

    A bar mitzvah is a grand celebration with music and dancing as well. Check out thejerusalemportfolio.com to learn more.

    Learn More About This List of Jewish Holidays 

    This list of Jewish holidays details some important holy days in the Jewish faith. It also discusses important celebrations you’ll partake in growing up as a Jewish person. 

    Check out similar blogs on our website to learn more about Jewish traditions and culture. 

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