Key Jewish Holidays in 2026: Your Comprehensive Guide

Planning for 2026 and want to mark the important dates on the Jewish calendar? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key Jewish holidays in 2026, offering insights into their significance, observances, and how they might impact your schedule. We aim to be your most trusted and authoritative resource. We’ll delve into each holiday, providing not just dates but also a deeper understanding of their meaning and traditions.

Understanding the Jewish Calendar and 2026

The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it’s based on both the cycles of the moon and the sun. This results in Jewish holidays falling on different dates each year in the Gregorian calendar. To accurately predict key Jewish holidays 2026, we rely on established calendar algorithms and expert consultations. Knowing this calendar type is crucial for accurate planning.

The Jewish calendar year 5786 begins in the fall of 2025 and continues into 2026. This overlapping of years means that some holidays in our list will fall at the end of 2025, but are important to consider when planning for the full year of 2026.

Rosh Hashanah 2026

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a two-day celebration that marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal, observed with special prayers, festive meals, and the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn).

In 2026, Rosh Hashanah will begin at sundown on Friday, September 11th, and continue through nightfall on Sunday, September 13th. Expect synagogue services to be longer and more frequent during this time. Many businesses owned or operated by Jewish individuals will be closed.

Observances of Rosh Hashanah

Blowing the Shofar: The shofar is blown in the synagogue to awaken the soul and call for repentance.
Festive Meals: Meals include symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey (to symbolize a sweet new year) and round challah bread (representing the cyclical nature of life).
Tashlich: A ritual where people symbolically cast their sins into a body of water.

Yom Kippur 2026

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, dedicated to seeking forgiveness for sins committed during the past year.

Yom Kippur in 2026 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20th, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21st. It is a solemn day, and most Jewish people will spend the day in synagogue. Fasting is observed by healthy adults.

Observances of Yom Kippur

Fasting: A complete fast from food and drink is observed for approximately 25 hours.
Prayer: Special prayers and services are held in the synagogue throughout the day.
Repentance: A time for introspection and seeking forgiveness from God and others.

Sukkot 2026

Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is a week-long holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ dwelling in temporary shelters (sukkot) during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. It is a joyous holiday celebrated with special meals, prayers, and the building and dwelling in a sukkah.

In 2026, Sukkot begins at sundown on Friday, September 25th, and continues until nightfall on Friday, October 2nd. The first two days are considered full festival days, with restrictions on work similar to Shabbat. The intermediate days are called Chol Hamoed, and while work is permitted, many people still observe the holiday with special meals and gatherings.

Observances of Sukkot

Building a Sukkah: A temporary structure built outdoors, often decorated with fruits and vegetables.
Dwelling in the Sukkah: Meals are eaten in the sukkah, and some people even sleep in it.
Four Species: The lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow) are held together and waved during prayers.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah 2026

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are two separate but related holidays that immediately follow Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret is an eighth day of assembly, a distinct holiday focused on the relationship between God and the Jewish people. Simchat Torah, the Rejoicing of the Torah, celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle.

In 2026, Shemini Atzeret begins at sundown on Friday, October 2nd, and Simchat Torah begins at sundown on Saturday, October 3rd. Both days are observed with special prayers and festive celebrations.

Observances of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

Special Prayers: Prayers for rain are recited on Shemini Atzeret.
Hakafot: On Simchat Torah, the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and paraded around the synagogue in joyful processions called hakafot.
Reading the Torah: The last portion of Deuteronomy is read, immediately followed by the first portion of Genesis, symbolizing the continuous cycle of Torah study.

Chanukah 2026

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. It is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, special prayers, and festive meals.

In 2026, Chanukah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 13th, and continues until nightfall on Monday, December 21st. Each night, an additional candle is lit on the menorah until all eight candles are lit on the final night.

Observances of Chanukah

Lighting the Menorah: The central observance of Chanukah is the lighting of the menorah each night.
Playing Dreidel: A spinning top game played with a four-sided top marked with Hebrew letters.
Eating Traditional Foods: Foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), are traditionally eaten to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.

Tu B’Shevat 2026

Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, is a minor holiday that celebrates the connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. It is observed by eating fruits and nuts, especially those associated with the Land of Israel.

In 2026, Tu B’Shevat falls on Thursday, February 4th. It is a time to appreciate the bounty of nature and to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship.

Observances of Tu B’Shevat

Eating Fruits and Nuts: A special meal is eaten featuring fruits and nuts, especially those mentioned in the Bible as being native to the Land of Israel.
Planting Trees: In Israel, it is common to plant trees on Tu B’Shevat.
Seders: Some people hold Tu B’Shevat seders, similar to Passover seders, with special readings and rituals.

Purim 2026

Purim is a joyous holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther. It is celebrated with costumes, parties, the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), and the giving of gifts to friends and the poor.

In 2026, Purim falls on Thursday, March 5th. It is a time of great celebration and merriment.

Observances of Purim

Reading the Megillah: The Book of Esther is read aloud in the synagogue.
Dressing in Costumes: It is customary to dress in costumes to celebrate the holiday.
Giving Gifts: Gifts of food (mishloach manot) are given to friends, and gifts to the poor (matanot l’evyonim) are given to those in need.
Eating a Festive Meal: A festive meal is eaten, often including hamantaschen (three-cornered pastries filled with fruit or poppy seeds).

Passover (Pesach) 2026

Passover, or Pesach, is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar, celebrated with special meals (seders), prayers, and the abstention from eating leavened bread (chametz).

In 2026, Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, April 4th, and continues until nightfall on Sunday, April 12th. The first two days and the last two days are considered full festival days, with restrictions on work similar to Shabbat. The intermediate days are called Chol Hamoed, and while work is permitted, many people still observe the holiday with special meals and gatherings.

Observances of Passover

Seder: A special meal is held on the first night (and second night outside of Israel) of Passover, with a specific order of rituals, readings, and foods.
Eating Matzah: Unleavened bread (matzah) is eaten instead of leavened bread.
Removing Chametz: All leavened bread and products containing leavened bread are removed from the home before Passover begins.
Telling the Story of the Exodus: The story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold at the seder.

Shavuot 2026

Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, is a two-day holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. It is celebrated with special prayers, the reading of the Ten Commandments, and the eating of dairy foods.

In 2026, Shavuot begins at sundown on Sunday, May 24th, and continues until nightfall on Tuesday, May 26th. It is a time of spiritual renewal and rededication to the Torah.

Observances of Shavuot

Reading the Ten Commandments: The Ten Commandments are read aloud in the synagogue.
Eating Dairy Foods: It is customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot, such as cheesecake and blintzes.
Staying Up All Night to Study Torah: Some people stay up all night studying Torah on Shavuot.
Decorating with Greenery: Synagogues and homes are often decorated with greenery to commemorate the harvest season.

Tisha B’Av 2026

Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, is a day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is observed with fasting, prayer, and the reading of the Book of Lamentations.

In 2026, Tisha B’Av falls on Thursday, July 23rd. It is a solemn day of remembrance and reflection.

Observances of Tisha B’Av

Fasting: A complete fast from food and drink is observed for approximately 25 hours.
Reading the Book of Lamentations: The Book of Lamentations, which describes the destruction of Jerusalem, is read aloud in the synagogue.
Mourning: A time for mourning and reflection on the destruction of the Temples and other tragedies in Jewish history.
Restrictions: Certain activities are restricted on Tisha B’Av, such as bathing, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in pleasurable activities.

Planning Ahead: How to Use This Information

Understanding the dates and significance of key Jewish holidays in 2026 is essential for effective planning. Whether you’re scheduling work events, family gatherings, or personal vacations, knowing these dates in advance allows for mindful consideration and accommodation. Furthermore, understanding the traditions associated with each holiday can enhance your appreciation of Jewish culture and customs.

For example, if you work with Jewish colleagues or clients, being aware of these holidays can help you avoid scheduling important meetings or events on those days. If you are Jewish, this information can help you plan your own observances and celebrations. Moreover, many Jewish organizations and communities offer special programs and events during these holidays, providing opportunities for connection and learning.

Navigating the Jewish Calendar: A Final Thought

The Jewish calendar is a tapestry woven with threads of history, tradition, and spiritual meaning. By understanding the key Jewish holidays in 2026, we gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of Jewish culture. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights and practical information to help you navigate the year ahead with awareness and understanding. Share this guide with your friends, family, or colleagues who may benefit from it, and continue to explore the fascinating world of Jewish holidays and traditions. To further your understanding, consult with a Rabbi or other Jewish leader for a deeper connection to your tradition.