Top 10 Best Jewish Holidays
Jewish holidays bring people together with traditions that have been celebrated for centuries. Some focus on joy and feasting, while others emphasize reflection and renewal. No matter the occasion, these special days carry meaning, history, and plenty of good food.Unlike Shabbat, which happens every week and is more of a regular observance than a holiday in the traditional sense, the ones on this list come around once a year. They each have their own customs, whether it's lighting candles, hearing a story, building something special, or gathering for a big meal. Some are filled with fun and laughter, while others are more serious, encouraging personal growth and remembrance.
Of course, everyone has their favorite. Maybe you love the holiday with the best food, the one with the most fun traditions, or the one that brings people together in a way that feels extra special. Whatever your reasons, this is your chance to weigh in.
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. It is observed by lighting a menorah, reciting prayers, and eating foods fried in oil. You all know this one. We light the menorah, spin dreidels, eat latkes, and exchange gifts. It is also spelled Chanukah.
Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. It is marked by the Seder meal, the reading of the Haggadah, and the prohibition of leavened bread. Also known as Pesach. We have a long seder meal (or two), drink wine, eat matzah, and kids ask questions. We clean the house, and some avoid eating chametz (leavened bread, for example). This holiday occurs in the spring and celebrates the Exodus from Egypt.
Sukkot is a week-long Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' journey through the desert after leaving Egypt. It is observed by dwelling in temporary structures called sukkahs and performing special prayers. We build sukkahs (huts), live in them, and decorate them. We also shake the lulav and etrog. This is an autumn festival.
Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia, as recorded in the Book of Esther. It is observed with the reading of the Megillah, giving gifts, and festive celebrations. We dress up in costumes, exchange gifts, and give to charity. Adults often get drunk and have parties. We also read the Megillah, which tells the story of Esther.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days and a period of reflection and repentance. It is observed with the blowing of the shofar, prayers, and symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey. Jewish New Year. We blow shofars (ram horns), dip apples in honey, and eat a variety of exotic fruits. It is also considered "the day of judgment," since it occurs a week before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and traditionally the holiest day of the year.
Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday that falls on the 33rd day of the Omer, commemorating events related to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and a break in a historical plague. It is marked by bonfires, outdoor celebrations, and activities such as archery. We celebrate with bonfires, singing, and dancing.
This holiday celebrates receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. We eat cheesecake, study the Torah, and decorate with flowers.
The first day of each month in the Jewish calendar.
This holiday celebrates the yearly reading of the Torah, with joyful dancing in the synagogue.
New Year for trees. We eat various fruits and plant trees.