Sukkot 2026 begins at sunset on Friday, September 25, and ends at nightfall on Friday, October 2. Shemini Atzeret begins at sunset on Friday, October 2, while Simchat Torah is observed on Saturday night, October 3, through Sunday, October 4, in the Diaspora.
In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated together as a single day on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Outside Israel, they are observed as two separate days, making the holiday period longer.
Sukkot 2026 Dates
Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles. It commemorates the temporary shelters used by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness and is also associated with the fall harvest.
In 2026, Sukkot begins at sunset on Friday, September 25 and ends at nightfall on Friday, October 2.
According to Chabad.org, Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that commemorates the protection of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness and celebrates the harvest.
For communities outside Israel, the major dates are:
| Holiday | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| Sukkot begins | Friday, September 25 at sunset |
| Sukkot Day 1 | Saturday, September 26 |
| Sukkot Day 2 | Sunday, September 27 |
| Chol HaMoed | September 28–October 1 |
| Hoshana Rabbah | Friday, October 2 |
| Shemini Atzeret | Saturday, October 3 |
| Simchat Torah | Sunday, October 4 |
The middle days of Sukkot are known as Chol HaMoed, or the intermediate days. Hoshana Rabbah is the seventh and final day of Sukkot.
When is Shemini Atzeret 2026?
Shemini Atzeret 2026 begins at sunset on Friday, October 2, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, October 3, in the Diaspora. It follows immediately after the seven days of Sukkot.
Although Shemini Atzeret comes directly after Sukkot, it is considered a distinct Jewish holiday. The name means “Eighth Day of Assembly.”
Shemini Atzeret is traditionally marked by prayer and gathering with the community. In many Jewish communities, Yizkor, the memorial service for deceased relatives, is also recited on Shemini Atzeret.
When is Simchat Torah 2026?
Simchat Torah 2026 begins at sunset on Saturday, October 3, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, October 4, in the Diaspora.
Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings. The Torah reading cycle then begins again with the opening portion of Genesis.
The holiday is known for its joyful celebrations, including singing, dancing, and carrying Torah scrolls. It marks both the conclusion and immediate renewal of the yearly Torah-reading cycle.
Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah 2026 in Israel
The dates are different in Israel because Jewish holidays that are observed for two days in the Diaspora are generally observed for one day in Israel.
In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are combined into one holiday. In 2026, this combined observance falls on Saturday, October 3.
Therefore, the main sequence is:
- Sukkot: September 25–October 2, 2026
- Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah in Israel: October 3, 2026
- Shemini Atzeret in the Diaspora: October 3, 2026
- Simchat Torah in the Diaspora: October 4, 2026
Because Jewish holidays begin at sunset, the evening before the calendar date is an important part of the observance.
What Is Shemini Atzeret?
Shemini Atzeret is the Jewish holiday immediately following Sukkot. Although it is connected to Sukkot in the calendar, it has its own religious significance and is treated as a separate festival.
For many Jewish communities, Shemini Atzeret is associated with prayer, gathering, and reflection following the extended celebration of Sukkot.
What Is Simchat Torah?
Simchat Torah means “Rejoicing in the Torah.” The holiday celebrates the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle and its immediate restart.
A major feature of Simchat Torah is the public celebration surrounding the Torah scrolls. Congregations may sing, dance, and rejoice as they mark the completion of one cycle and the beginning of another.
Are Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah the Same Holiday?
They are closely connected but are not exactly the same holiday in the Diaspora.
In the Diaspora, Shemini Atzeret is observed first, followed by Simchat Torah on the next day. In Israel, the two observances are combined into a single day.
This difference is why calendars can show different dates depending on whether they are displaying Israeli or Diaspora Jewish holidays.
Is Sukkot a Public Holiday?
Sukkot is a major Jewish religious holiday, but whether it is a public or work-free holiday depends on the country, community, and applicable laws.
Jewish religious observance also differs between individuals and denominations. People planning work, school, travel, or religious activities should check a local Jewish calendar for the applicable dates and sunset times.
Sukkot / Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah 2026 Calendar
For a quick reference, the 2026 holiday sequence is:
September 25, 2026: Sukkot begins at sunset.
September 26–October 2: Seven days of Sukkot.
October 2, 2026: Hoshana Rabbah and the beginning of Shemini Atzeret at sunset.
October 3, 2026: Shemini Atzeret in the Diaspora; Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah together in Israel.
October 4, 2026: Simchat Torah in the Diaspora ends at nightfall.
The exact beginning and ending times vary by location because Jewish holidays are based on sunset and nightfall.
Also see: Passover 2026 Dates: When It Starts & Ends + Full Guide