What are the dates of the Jewish holidays in 2025?
The Jewish calendar is a lunar-based system, which means that the dates of Jewish holidays can vary from year to year. In 2025, the Jewish holidays will be celebrated on specific dates that are determined by the Hebrew calendar. Here is a comprehensive list of the Jewish holidays in 2025, along with their corresponding Gregorian dates:
1. Rosh Hashanah (New Year): September 17-19, 2025
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and is a time for reflection, prayer, and the sounding of the shofar. It is traditionally observed with a festive meal on the first day and a more solemn meal on the second day.
2. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): September 25-26, 2025
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year and is observed with a 25-hour period of fasting, prayer, and introspection. It is a day for seeking forgiveness and atonement for one’s sins.
3. Sukkot (Festival of Booths): October 2-9, 2025
Sukkot is a seven-day festival that commemorates the Jewish people’s journey through the desert after leaving Egypt. It is celebrated with the building of a sukkah (a temporary booth) and the eating of meals under the stars.
4. Shmini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Assembly): October 10, 2025
Shmini Atzeret is a day of reflection and gratitude for the end of Sukkot. It is also a time to remember the Jewish people’s ancestors and to strengthen community bonds.
5. Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Law): October 11, 2025
Simchat Torah is the celebration of the completion of the annual reading of the Torah. It is marked by dancing, singing, and the reading of the last and first verses of the Torah.
6. Chanukah (Festival of Lights): December 18-26, 2025
Chanukah is an eight-day festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, the eating of fried foods, and the playing of dreidel.
7. Kwanzaa (African-American Holiday): December 26, 2025
While not a Jewish holiday, Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1. It is a time to reflect on African heritage and culture, and it overlaps with Chanukah in 2025.
These dates are based on the Jewish calendar and may vary slightly depending on the specific community’s traditions and customs. It is always a good idea to check with local Jewish organizations or synagogues for the most accurate information.
