Jewish Holiday Calendar and Dates for 2026

The Jewish calendar is a complex and beautiful system that blends lunar cycles with solar seasons, ensuring that festivals remain rooted in their historical and agricultural contexts. In 2026, the secular dates for Jewish holidays reflect the Hebrew years 5786 and 5787. Because the Jewish day begins at sundown, all observances listed below commence in the evening of the first date and conclude at nightfall on the final date.

Master List of Jewish Holidays in 2026

The following table provides the primary dates for major and minor festivals, fasts, and modern commemorations in 2026.

Understanding the Hebrew Calendar Mechanics

The fluctuations of Jewish holiday dates in the Gregorian calendar are due to the lunisolar nature of the Hebrew calendar. While the Gregorian calendar is purely solar, based on the 365.25 days it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun, the Jewish calendar relies on lunar months.

A lunar year is approximately 354 days, which creates an 11-day deficit compared to the solar year. To prevent seasonal drift—ensuring that Passover, for instance, always occurs in the spring—the Jewish calendar employs a 19-year Metonic cycle. During this cycle, a leap month (Adar II) is added seven times. In 2026, the calendar is operating within the standard 12-month structure of year 5786 and the beginning of 5787.

The Significance of Sundown

In the Genesis narrative, the description of time follows the pattern: "And there was evening, and there was morning, one day." Consequently, the Jewish day begins at sunset. This has practical implications for 2026 observances. For example, if Rosh Hashanah is listed as September 11, the festive meal and candle lighting occur on the evening of September 11, while the primary synagogue services and shofar blowing take place during the daylight hours of September 12 and 13.

Winter and Early Spring Observances (January – March 2026)

Tu B'Shevat: February 1 – February 2

Tu B'Shevat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, serves as the "New Year for Trees." In 2026, this day is used to calculate the age of fruit trees for tithing and agricultural laws in Israel. Modern observance often involves planting trees and eating fruits associated with the Land of Israel, particularly the "Seven Species": wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Work is permitted on this holiday.

Purim: March 2 – March 3

Purim is one of the most joyous festivals in the Jewish year, commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from the decree of Haman in the ancient Persian Empire. The celebration is preceded by the Fast of Esther on March 2, a dawn-to-dusk fast recalling Queen Esther’s courage.

The four primary mitzvot (commandments) of Purim include:

1. Reading the Megillah: Hearing the public reading of the Book of Esther.
2. Mishloach Manot: Sending gifts of food and drink to friends.
3. Matanot La’evyonim: Giving charity to the poor.
4. Seudah: A festive meal involving wine and celebration.

In 2026, Purim festivities conclude on the evening of March 3, though "Shushan Purim" is celebrated on March 4 in walled cities like Jerusalem.

Passover and the Spring Festivals (April – May 2026)

Passover (Pesach): April 1 – April 9

Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It is defined by the prohibition of chametz (leavened bread) and the consumption of matzah.

The first two nights (April 1 and April 2) feature the Seder, a structured ritual meal where the story of the Exodus is retold. In Israel, Passover lasts seven days, with only the first and last days being full festivals with work restrictions. In the Diaspora, the holiday lasts eight days, with the first two and last two days carrying work restrictions.

The period between the second night of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot is known as the "Counting of the Omer," a 49-day spiritual journey of preparation.

Modern Israeli National Holidays

April 2026 sees three significant modern commemorations:

• Yom HaShoah (April 13–14): A somber day dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.
• Yom HaZikaron (April 20–21): Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. It is characterized by sirens that bring the entire country to a standstill.
• Yom Ha'atzmaut (April 21–22): Israel Independence Day. In 2026, this marks the 78th anniversary of the state's founding. It is a day of celebration, barbecues, and public fireworks.

Shavuot: May 21 – May 23

Shavuot, the "Festival of Weeks," marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer and commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Traditions for Shavuot in 2026 include staying up all night to study Torah (Tikkun Leil Shavuot), eating dairy foods (such as cheesecake and blintzes), and decorating synagogues with greenery. In the Diaspora, this is a two-day holiday ending at nightfall on May 23.

The Summer Fasts and Periods of Mourning (July – August 2026)

The Three Weeks and Tisha B'Av

The summer of 2026 contains a period of communal mourning known as "The Three Weeks," beginning with the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz (July 2) and culminating in Tisha B'Av (July 22–23).

Tisha B'Av is the saddest day of the Jewish year, mourning the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. In 2026, the fast begins at sunset on July 22 and lasts approximately 25 hours. During this time, observances include:

• Abstaining from food, drink, washing, and wearing leather shoes.
• Reading the Book of Lamentations (Eicha).
• Sitting on low stools as a sign of mourning.

Tu B'Av: July 28 – July 29

Just days after the mourning of Tisha B'Av comes Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av. In ancient times, this was a matchmaking day. Today, it is celebrated as a Jewish "Day of Love," similar to Valentine's Day, often chosen as a date for weddings and celebrations.

The High Holiday Season (September – October 2026)

The autumn of 2026 marks the beginning of the Hebrew year 5787, a period of deep spiritual introspection and joy.

Rosh Hashanah: September 11 – September 13

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a two-day festival focused on the "coronation" of God and the Day of Judgment. The defining ritual is the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn), which calls for repentance. Common traditions include dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year and eating pomegranates.

Yom Kippur: September 20 – September 21

The "Day of Attonement" is the holiest day of the year. In 2026, the Jewish community will observe a 25-hour fast starting before sunset on September 20. It is a day of prayer and seeking forgiveness for sins committed against God and fellow human beings. Work is strictly prohibited.

Sukkot: September 25 – October 2

Five days after Yom Kippur, the mood shifts from solemnity to joy. Sukkot commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert. Observances include:

• Building a Sukkah: A temporary outdoor hut with a roof of natural materials (Schach).
• The Four Species: Waving the Lulav (palm branch, willow, and myrtle) and the Etrog (citron).

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: October 2 – October 4

Immediately following Sukkot are two days of intense celebration. Shemini Atzeret (October 2–3) is a day of assembly. Simchat Torah (October 3–4) marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings. Synagogues are filled with dancing and singing as the Torah scrolls are carried in seven circles (Hakafot).

The Festival of Lights: Chanukah 2026

Chanukah (Hanukkah): December 4 – December 12

Chanukah commemorates the Maccabean victory over the Syrian-Greeks and the rededication of the Second Temple. The "Miracle of the Oil"—where one day's worth of oil lasted for eight—is celebrated by lighting the Chanukiah (an eight-branched menorah) over eight nights.

In 2026, the first candle is lit on the evening of Friday, December 4. Traditions include eating fried foods (latkes and sufganiyot) to commemorate the oil and playing with the dreidel. While Chanukah is a festive time, work is permitted (except during the Sabbath hours falling within the eight days).

Practical Considerations: Work Restrictions and Observance

For those planning professional or personal events in 2026, it is vital to understand the concept of Melacha (prohibited labor). On major festivals—specifically Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, the first and last days of Passover, Shavuot, and the first days of Sukkot—observant Jews refrain from:

• Writing and professional work.
• Driving or traveling.
• Operating electronic devices.
• Engaging in commerce.

2026 Yizkor Dates

Yizkor is a special memorial prayer for the departed, recited four times a year in the synagogue. In 2026, these dates are:

• Passover: April 9
• Shavuot: May 23
• Yom Kippur: September 21
• Shemini Atzeret: October 3

Summary of 2026 Jewish Holiday Timing

The 2026 Jewish holiday cycle offers a rhythmic journey through history and spirituality. From the reflective heights of the High Holidays in September to the historical celebrations of Passover in April and Chanukah in December, each date serves as a milestone for communal and individual growth.

Understanding that these holidays begin at sundown and vary in duration depending on whether one is in Israel or the Diaspora is essential for accurate planning. As the calendar transitions from the Hebrew year 5786 to 5787, the 2026 dates provide a continuous link to ancient traditions in a modern context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Jewish year for 2026?

The year 2026 spans two Hebrew years. Until sunset on September 11, it is 5786. After sunset on September 11, the year 5787 begins.

Why does Passover 2026 last for eight days?

Biblically, Passover is seven days. However, in Jewish tradition outside of Israel (the Diaspora), an extra day was added in ancient times to ensure that the holiday was observed on the correct day despite communication delays regarding the new moon.

Is work permitted on Hanukkah 2026?

Yes, work is permitted during the eight days of Hanukkah. The only restrictions would apply to the Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) that occurs during the festival.

What are the "High Holidays" in 2026?

The High Holidays, or Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe), refer specifically to Rosh Hashanah (Sept 11–13) and Yom Kippur (Sept 20–21).

When does Hanukkah start in 2026?

The first night of Hanukkah is Friday, December 4, 2026. The first full day of the holiday is Saturday, December 5.