Jewish Festivals & Holy Days
Holidays & Festivals
Rabbi Pini Dunner's teachings on the Jewish calendar — from the High Holy Days to Passover, Chanukah, and beyond. Discover the meaning, history, and practice behind each sacred occasion.
Rosh Hashana
רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה
The Jewish New Year — a day of judgment, reflection, and the sounding of the shofar.
Yom Kippur
יוֹם כִּפּוּר
The Day of Atonement — the holiest day of the Jewish year, devoted to fasting and prayer.
Sukkot
סֻכּוֹת
The Festival of Booths — a week of joy, gratitude, and dwelling in temporary structures.
Chanukah
חֲנֻכָּה
The Festival of Lights — eight nights celebrating the miracle of the Maccabees and the Temple menorah.
Purim
פּוּרִים
The Festival of Lots — celebrating the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia.
Pesach
פֶּסַח
Passover — commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the birth of the Jewish nation.
Shavuot
שָׁבוּעוֹת
The Festival of Weeks — celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Tisha B'Av
תִּשְׁעָה בְּאָב
The saddest day on the Jewish calendar — mourning the destruction of both Temples.