Jewish holidays in 2026 begin with Tu BiShvat on February 13th and include major observances like Passover (April 2-10), Rosh Hashanah (September 11-13), Yom Kippur (September 20), and Chanukah (December 4-12).
Planning ahead for Jewish holidays helps families prepare meaningful celebrations and understand the spiritual significance of each observance.
Whether you’re organizing family gatherings, planning time off work, or simply wanting to understand Jewish traditions better, having the complete 2026 calendar makes all the difference.
Major Jewish Holidays in 2026
Spring Holidays
Tu BiShvat (New Year of the Trees) February 13, 2026 (15 Sh’vat 5786)
Tu BiShvat marks the beginning of spring in the Jewish calendar. This holiday celebrates the renewal of nature and the connection between humanity and the environment.
Many families hold seders featuring fruits and nuts, especially those that grow in Israel.
Purim March 14, 2026 (14 Adar 5786)
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot in ancient Persia.
The celebration includes reading the Megillah (Book of Esther), giving gifts to friends and charity to the poor, and enjoying festive meals. Children and adults often dress in costumes during this joyous holiday.
Passover (Pesach) April 2-10, 2026 (15-22 Nisan 5786)
Passover celebrates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The eight-day festival begins with the Seder meal, where families retell the Exodus story using the Haggadah.
During Passover, observant Jews avoid leavened bread and eat matzah instead.
Summer Holidays
Lag BaOmer May 18, 2026 (18 Iyyar 5786)
Lag BaOmer provides a joyful break during the solemn counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Traditionally, people light bonfires, have picnics, and children get their first haircuts. This day honors Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a great Torah scholar.
Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) May 22-23, 2026 (6-7 Sivan 5786)
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The two-day holiday features all-night Torah study sessions and eating dairy foods like cheesecake and blintzes. Many synagogues hold confirmation ceremonies for teenagers during this time.
Summer Fast Days and Observances
Tisha B’Av (Ninth of Av) July 30, 2026 (9 Av 5786)
Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning commemorating the destruction of both Jewish Temples in Jerusalem. Observant Jews fast for 25 hours and refrain from joyful activities.
The day includes reading the Book of Lamentations and reflecting on Jewish history.
Tu B’Av (Festival of Love) August 14, 2026 (15 Av 5786)
Tu B’Av is considered one of the most joyful days in the Jewish calendar. Our sages proclaimed the 15th of Av as one of the happiest days of the year, when Jewish maidens would go out to dance, hoping to attract fitting suitors. Today, it’s celebrated as a day of love and matchmaking.
You may also be interested in: Federal Holidays in 2026
High Holy Days (Fall 2026)
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
September 11-13, 2026 (1-2 Tishrei 5787)
Rosh Hashanah begins the High Holy Day period with two days of reflection and renewal. Families gather for festive meals featuring apples and honey, symbolizing hopes for a sweet new year.
The shofar (ram’s horn) is blown during synagogue services as a call to repentance.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
September 20, 2026 (10 Tishrei 5787)
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, marked by a 25-hour fast and intensive prayer. This day of atonement focuses on forgiveness, both seeking it from others and granting it to those who’ve wronged us. Many Jews spend the entire day in synagogue.
Sukkot (Festival of Booths)
September 25 – October 3, 2026 (15-21 Tishrei 5787)
Sukkot celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the desert. Families build temporary outdoor shelters called sukkot and eat meals inside them. The holiday includes waving the four species: etrog (citron), lulav (palm branch), myrtle, and willow.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
October 3-4, 2026 (22-23 Tishrei 5787)
These connected holidays conclude the fall festival period. Shemini Atzeret includes prayers for rain in Israel, while Simchat Torah celebrates completing and beginning the annual Torah reading cycle. Communities dance with Torah scrolls in joyful processions.
Winter Holiday
Chanukah (Festival of Lights)
December 4-12, 2026 (25 Kislev – 2 Tevet 5787)
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of oil that lasted eight days. Families light the menorah each night, adding one candle daily. Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), both fried in oil.
Also see: 2026 printable calendar
Planning Tips for Jewish Holidays 2026
Work and School Considerations
Major holidays when observant Jews don’t work include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, the first and last days of Passover, Shavuot, and the first day of Sukkot. Non major holidays (Work is permitted but due to the holiday, people may have events and services): Chanukah, Purim
Preparation Timeline
Start holiday preparations weeks in advance, especially for Passover and the High Holy Days. Make reservations for special meals, order ritual items like etrog and lulav for Sukkot, and coordinate family gatherings early.
Religious Observance Notes
Remember that Jewish days begin at sundown the evening before. For example, if Rosh Hashanah is listed as September 11th, observance actually begins at sunset on September 10th and continues until nightfall on September 12th.
Lesser-Known Jewish Observances in 2026
Rosh Chodesh (New Moon)
Monthly celebrations marking the beginning of each Hebrew month provide opportunities for spiritual renewal throughout the year. Many communities hold special women’s gatherings during Rosh Chodesh.
Fast Days
Several minor fast days throughout the year commemorate historical events. These include the Fast of Gedaliah, the Fast of the Tenth of Tevet, and the Fast of the First Born before Passover.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Jewish holidays begin and end in 2026?
Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the calendar date and end at nightfall the following day. For multi-day holidays, count each sunset-to-nightfall period as one day.
Which Jewish holidays prohibit work in 2026?
The major holidays that prohibit work are Rosh Hashanah (September 11-13), Yom Kippur (September 20), the first two and last two days of Passover (April 2-3 and April 9-10), Shavuot (May 22-23), the first day of Sukkot (September 25), and Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (October 3-4).
How do I prepare for Passover 2026?
Begin Passover preparations in March by cleaning your home of chametz (leavened products), shopping for kosher-for-Passover foods, and preparing your Seder. The holiday runs from April 2-10, 2026.
What’s the difference between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
Rosh Hashanah (September 11-13, 2026) is the Jewish New Year focusing on renewal and judgment, while Yom Kippur (September 20, 2026) is the Day of Atonement emphasizing repentance and forgiveness. Together, they form the High Holy Days.
Can I attend synagogue services during Jewish holidays if I’m not Jewish?
Most synagogues welcome respectful visitors during holiday services. Contact the synagogue in advance to understand their policies and any special arrangements for guests.
How long does Chanukah last in 2026?
Chanukah lasts eight nights and nine days, from December 4-12, 2026. Each evening, families light an additional candle on the menorah, exchange gifts, and enjoy special foods.
Celebrating Jewish Holidays: Modern Applications
Family Traditions
Each holiday offers opportunities to create meaningful family traditions while honoring ancient customs. Consider incorporating modern elements like photography projects during Sukkot or virtual Seder participation for distant relatives during Passover.
Community Involvement
Many communities organize public celebrations for holidays like Chanukah and Purim. These events provide excellent opportunities to learn about Jewish culture and connect with local Jewish communities.
Educational Opportunities
Use the 2026 holiday calendar as a chance to deepen understanding of Jewish history, culture, and values. Each observance carries profound lessons about resilience, gratitude, and spiritual growth.
Making the Most of Your Jewish Holiday Experience
Understanding the 2026 Jewish holiday calendar enables better planning and deeper appreciation of these meaningful observances.
Whether you’re maintaining family traditions or exploring Jewish culture for the first time, each holiday offers unique opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community connection.
The cycle of Jewish holidays throughout 2026 provides a beautiful rhythm to the year, balancing solemn reflection with joyous celebration. From the introspective High Holy Days to the festive lights of Chanukah, each observance contributes to a rich tapestry of spiritual and cultural experience.
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