Jewish Holidays 2026: Your Complete Calendar

Keeping track of Jewish holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when the Hebrew calendar doesn't line up neatly with the secular one. Here's your complete guide to every major holiday in 2026, what each one means, and how to celebrate.

Spring 2026

Purim — March 17 (began evening of March 16) The celebration of the Jewish people's survival as told in the Book of Esther. Costumes, megillah readings, gifts of food (mishloach manot), charity, and festive meals. It's the most joyful day on the calendar. Passover (Pesach) — April 2-9 (began evening of April 1) Eight days commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The Seder on the first two nights is the centerpiece — retelling the story, eating matzah, and celebrating freedom. No bread or leavened food for the entire holiday. Yom HaShoah — April 21 Holocaust Remembrance Day. A solemn day to honor the six million Jews who perished. Sirens, ceremonies, and moments of silence in Israel and communities worldwide. Yom Ha'Atzmaut — April 29 Israel Independence Day. Celebrations, barbecues, and community events marking the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. Lag B'Omer — May 16 The 33rd day of the Omer count. Bonfires, outdoor celebrations, and weddings (which are restricted during the rest of the Omer period). A favorite for kids and families. Shavuot — May 22-23 (began evening of May 21) Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. All-night Torah study (Tikkun Leil Shavuot), dairy meals (cheesecake!), and reading the Book of Ruth.

Summer & Fall 2026

Tisha B'Av — July 23 (began evening of July 22) The saddest day on the Jewish calendar. A 25-hour fast mourning the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. Reading of Lamentations and reduced activity. Rosh Hashanah — September 12-13 (began evening of September 11) The Jewish New Year. Year 5787 begins. Shofar blowing, apples dipped in honey, round challah, and prayers for a sweet new year. Two days of synagogue services and festive meals. Yom Kippur — September 21 (began evening of September 20) The Day of Atonement. A 25-hour fast, the holiest day of the year. Kol Nidre prayer on the evening, a full day of prayer, and the closing Neilah service at sunset. Sukkot — September 26 - October 2 (began evening of September 25) The Festival of Booths. Building and eating in a sukkah (temporary outdoor structure), shaking the lulav and etrog, and welcoming guests. Seven days of celebration. Simchat Torah — October 3 (began evening of October 2) The conclusion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Dancing with Torah scrolls, singing, and beginning the Torah again from Genesis. One of the most energetic celebrations of the year.

Winter 2026-27

Hanukkah — December 15-22 (began evening of December 14) Eight nights of candle lighting on the menorah, celebrating the Maccabees' victory and the miracle of oil. Latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), dreidel, and gifts.

How Kosher Connect Helps

Our Jewish Calendar feature gives you:

• Candle lighting times for your exact location
• Holiday event listings — Seders, break-fasts, community celebrations
• Daily reminders — so you never miss a holiday
• Local community events — find what's happening near you

Save this page and check back throughout the year. We'll keep it updated.

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Sources & References

• Hebcal Jewish Calendar — Accurate Jewish holiday dates, candle-lighting times, and Torah readings for 2026
• Chabad.org: Jewish Holiday Guide — Comprehensive guides to every Jewish holiday with laws, customs, and history
• My Jewish Learning: Jewish Holidays — Accessible explanations of each holiday's meaning and observance
• Aish.com: Holiday Section — In-depth articles on Jewish holidays with practical and spiritual insights