Like many religious festivals, Jewish holy days are often held according to traditional calendars and observances. As such, they do not fall on the same day every year in the Gregorian calendar, so the month or overlapping months during which these major Jewish holy days occur is listed under the holiday name.
Below is our list of Jewish holy days 2023 which includes Jewish festivals, Judaism religious calendar and festivals.
Rosh Hashanah – September / October
The Jewish New Year and one of the two main Jewish High Holy Days. A two-day festival during which labor isn’t allowed, and celebrants engage in meditation, prayer and reflection. The first day is called Erev Rosh Hashanah, or the New Year’s Eve.
Yom Kippur – September / October
A sacred day of fasting and one of the two main Jewish High Holy Days. Considered by many the most sacred and important holiday in Judaism. Labor is forbidden during Yom Kippur, as well as the night before, known as Erev Yom Kippur. It is common to attend the synagogue during both the preceding eve and day of Yom Kippur.
Sukkot – September / October
Also known as The Feast of Tabernacles. This Jewish holy day is a festival which lasts for seven days, and is followed by Shemini Atzeret on the eighth day. Many Jews do not work during the first and second days, or during the Shemini Atzeret.
Simchat Torah – September / October
Right after Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, this holiday is dedicated to readings of the Torah. Many Jews do not work or attend school.
Hanukkah – November / December
A festival of light, liberation and religious freedom. Hanukkah is one of the Jewish religious holidays that has gained recognition in recent decades, particularly among American Jews. Festivities last for 8 days, during which gifts are given, and each day a candle of the Menorah is ritualistically lit. Other observances include dreidel games and serving of the traditional latke pancake.
Explore our 2023 Interfaith Calendar which includes holidays, religious holidays and religious festivals.
Purim – February / March
A cheerful, festive holiday that involves costumes and gift-giving, commemorating events from the Book of Esther.
Passover – March / April
Commemorates freedom from Egypt. 8 days. Begins with a traditional feast called Passover Seder, on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan in the Spring. Labor is forbidden on the first two days of Passover as well as the last two.
Shavuot – May / June
Also known as the Feast of Weeks or the Pentecost, Shavuot commemorates the receiving of the Ten Commandments. Traditional meals are often shared.
Final Thoughts
We hope this Jewish religious holidays calendar has been useful to you. Inclusive scheduling is a must for businesses and organizations. It allows everyone to recognize holy days regardless of which world religion their employees or members participate in.
For all 2023 religious holidays, see our interactive DEI Calendar for all 200+ religious events.
For more diversity topics, see our Diversity Calendar 2023.