These are the beautiful practices of the Jewish people. As Christians we would choose to celebrate any or all of these holy days out of honor to God and not in a legalistic manner. It is very important, spiritually that Christians practicing these God honoring traditions are not used to tie ourselves into legalism. Jesus Christ is our salvation. 

My opinion is that God made the sabbath for mankind, to honor the sabbath is to honor God. 

Dates are for 2026, Diaspora practice, and all Jewish days begin at sundown the evening before the civil date listed.

1. Shabbat (Weekly Sabbath)

When in 2026: Every week, from Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall.

Historical context

Shabbat is rooted in Genesis 1–2, where God creates the world in six days and rests on the seventh, blessing and sanctifying it. In the Ten Commandments, Israel is commanded to “remember” and “keep” the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant with God and a memorial of both creation and the Exodus from Egypt. Over centuries, Shabbat becomes the central practice that preserves Jewish identity in exile and anchors weekly spiritual life.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before sundown Friday

1. Prepare the home
   • Clean and set the table with a nice cloth, candles, wine/grape juice, and bread (ideally challah).
   • Finish most cooking so work is minimized on Shabbat.
2. Personal readiness

• Bathe/shower and dress in nicer clothing, treating Shabbat as entering sacred time.

Candle‑lighting (just before sundown)

1. Place at least two candles on the table or near where you’ll eat.
2. Light the candles a few minutes before sundown.
3. Cover your eyes and say a blessing (traditional bracha or a simple prayer thanking God for the gift of rest).
4. Uncover your eyes and welcome Shabbat with a moment of quiet or a short song.

Friday night meal

1. Kiddush over wine/grape juice
   • Lift the cup and sanctify the day with words (traditional or your own, declaring this a holy rest).
2. Bless the bread
   • Uncover, bless, slice, and share the bread.
3. Enjoy a slow, unhurried meal
   • Include conversation, songs, Scripture readings, or personal testimonies.
4. Optional: Attend evening synagogue services.

Shabbat day (Saturday)

1. Morning prayer and Torah
   • Attend synagogue if possible, or read a Torah portion and related passages at home.
2. Second festive meal
   • Similar to Friday night: kiddush, bread, and a special meal.
3. Rest and delight

• Avoid work and “production”; focus on worship, family, study, walks, and restoration.

Ending Shabbat (Havdalah Saturday night)

1. Prepare items: Cup of wine/juice, multi‑wick candle (or any), and fragrant spices.
2. Say Havdalah blessings
   • Over wine, spices, and fire, acknowledging the separation between holy and ordinary.
3. Extinguish the candle and return slowly to weekday activity.

2. Tu BiShvat (New Year for Trees)

When in 2026: Evening January 31 to nightfall February 1 (Jewish date: 15 Shevat).

Historical context

Tu BiShvat began as a legal cutoff date in ancient Israel for calculating the age of trees to determine tithes and when their fruit could be eaten. Over time, especially in Kabbalistic circles in Safed, it became a mystical celebration of trees, the Land of Israel, and spiritual renewal. In modern times it also expresses ecological awareness and love for the land.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before the day

1. Gather fruits
   • Especially those associated with the Land of Israel: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, dates; also nuts and dried fruits.
2. Optionally choose texts

• Short passages from Scripture (e.g., Deut. 8, Psalms about trees), or a simple Tu BiShvat “seder” booklet if desired.

On Tu BiShvat

1. Set the table
   • Arrange fruits attractively, perhaps with flowers or greenery.
2. Begin with a blessing
   • Say a blessing over fruit (or a simple thank‑you to God for creation and provision).
3. Eat mindfully in stages
   • Start with simple fruits, move to more elaborate ones, pausing to reflect on growth, rootedness, and fruitfulness.
4. Read and reflect
   • Read a Psalm or short passages about trees, the land, or spiritual growth.
5. Commit to action

• Identify one concrete step in caring for land, trees, or environment in the year ahead.

Optional: tree‑planting

1. Plant a tree or perennial plant, locally or via a reliable organization.
2. Dedicate it as an act of thanksgiving and future blessing.

3. Purim (with Ta’anit Esther and Shushan Purim)

When in 2026 (outside walled cities):

• Ta’anit Esther (Fast of Esther): Daytime March 2
• Purim: Evening March 2 to nightfall March 3
• Shushan Purim (walled cities, like Jerusalem): Evening March 3 to nightfall March 4

Historical context

Purim is based on the Book of Esther, describing how Haman plotted to annihilate the Jews of the Persian Empire. Through Esther’s courage and Mordechai’s leadership, the decree is overturned. The day of intended destruction becomes a day of joy and feasting, “from sorrow to gladness, from mourning to a good day”. Ta’anit Esther recalls the fasting before Esther approached the king, and Shushan Purim marks that in the capital city the Jews fought one day longer.

How to celebrate (step by step)

(Optional) Fast of Esther – March 2, daytime

1. If physically able: Abstain from food and drink from dawn to nightfall.
2. Use the day for prayer and introspection, focusing on courage, hidden providence, and intercession for your people.

Evening of Purim – March 2

1. Attend a Megillah reading
   • Go to a synagogue or group reading of the Book of Esther.
2. Respond during the reading
   • When Haman’s name is read, make noise (graggers, stamping, etc.) to “blot out” his memory.
3. Dress festively or in costume

• Emphasize joy, reversal, and the theme of “hiddenness.”

Daytime of Purim – March 3

1. Hear the Megillah again if possible (many communities do night and day).
2. Mishloach manot (sending portions)
   • Prepare at least one package containing two types of ready‑to‑eat food.
   • Deliver it to at least one person or family.
3. Matanot la’evyonim (gifts to the poor)
   • Give monetary gifts or food to at least two people in need (or through a trustworthy charity acting on that day).
4. Purim feast (seudah)

• Have a festive meal with meat or other special foods.
• Include joy, singing, retelling the story, and thanksgiving.

Shushan Purim – March 3–4

1. If in a walled city (e.g., Jerusalem):
   • Main mitzvot are observed on this day instead.
2. Elsewhere: Some mark it lightly with continued joy or reflection on the story’s completion.

4. Passover (Pesach)

When in 2026 (Diaspora): Evening April 1 to nightfall April 9.

Historical context

Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, when God liberated Israel from slavery through signs and plagues, culminating in the death of the Egyptian firstborn and the “passing over” of Israelite homes marked with blood. It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals, and the Torah commands remembering that we were slaves whom God brought out with a mighty hand. The Seder ritual developed over centuries as a structured way to retell and relive that deliverance in each generation.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before Passover

1. Search out and remove chametz (leavened products)
   • Use, sell, or put away leaven; clean eating areas to symbolically and practically remove it.
2. Stock Passover foods

• Matzah, bitter herbs, wine/grape juice, and ingredients for the Seder plate and festive meals.

Seder night(s)
(Outside Israel, usually two Seder nights: April 1 and 2; the first is primary.)

1. Set the Seder table
   • Place a Seder plate with shank bone (or substitute), roasted egg, bitter herbs, charoset (sweet mixture), vegetable (e.g., parsley), and salt water.
   • Ensure each person has a cup for the four cups of wine/juice.
2. Follow a Haggadah
   • Move through the steps: kiddush, hand‑washing, dipping the vegetable, breaking the middle matzah, telling the story, etc.
3. Ask and answer questions
   • Have the youngest ask the “Four Questions,” and others share answers and reflections.
4. Eat the ritual foods
   • Matzah, maror (bitter herb), sandwich (matzah + maror + charoset), then the festive meal.
5. Conclude with praise

• Drink the later cups, sing Psalms and songs of praise and hope.

The rest of Passover (April 2–9)

1. Avoid chametz entirely
   • No bread, regular pasta, or leavened baked goods.
2. Eat matzah and Passover‑appropriate foods.
3. Attend synagogue on festival days if possible for special prayers and Torah readings.
4. Use the week to meditate on freedom, obedience, and covenant.

5. Lag BaOmer

When in 2026: Evening May 4 to nightfall May 5 (33rd day of the Omer count).

Historical context

Lag BaOmer falls during the 49‑day Omer period between Passover and Shavuot. Tradition says a plague ceased among Rabbi Akiva’s students on this day, and it is also associated with the life and passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a central figure in Jewish mysticism. Because much of the Omer is a semi‑mourning period, Lag BaOmer emerges as a break of joy and renewal.

How to celebrate (step by step)

1. Shift from mourning to joy
   • If you’ve been refraining from music, haircuts, or weddings during the Omer, these become permitted on this day in many traditions.
2. Organize or join a bonfire (if safe and lawful)
   • Gather family/community.
   • Light a bonfire as a symbol of Torah light and spiritual passion.
3. Celebrate outdoors
   • plan a picnic, hike, or games, especially for children.
4. Share stories
   • Tell about Rabbi Akiva, the students’ respect for one another, and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
5. Include song and learning

• Sing songs of hope and unity and read brief Torah teachings.

6. Shavuot

When in 2026 (Diaspora): Begins evening May 21; first day May 22 (second day May 23 in Diaspora).

Historical context

Originally a harvest festival (Feast of Weeks), Shavuot later becomes identified with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Counting 49 days from Passover leads into this festival, symbolizing journeying from physical liberation (Exodus) to spiritual purpose (revelation). The Book of Ruth, often read on Shavuot, highlights covenant loyalty and the acceptance of Torah.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before Shavuot

1. Complete the Omer count
   • On the nights leading up to Shavuot, continue counting each day as part of spiritual preparation.
2. Prepare dairy and festive foods

• Many customs favor dairy (cheesecake, blintzes) as symbolic of Torah “like milk and honey.”

Evening of Shavuot

1. Attend festival prayers in synagogue if possible.
2. Optional: Tikkun Leil Shavuot (all‑night learning)

• Study Torah, read Ruth, or learn teachings about Sinai.
• Structure the night with short learning blocks and breaks.

Daytime Shavuot

1. Go to synagogue to hear the Ten Commandments read publicly.
2. Have a festive meal
   • Include dairy or meat, depending on custom, treating the day as a joyous feast.
3. Read the Book of Ruth

• Either in congregation or at home, and discuss themes of loyalty, inclusion, and covenant.

7. Tisha B’Av

When in 2026: Evening July 22 to nightfall July 23.

Historical context

Tisha B’Av (the 9th of Av) memorializes the destruction of the First Temple (586 BCE) and the Second Temple (70 CE) in Jerusalem. Later tragedies—including expulsions and persecutions—are also associated with this date. It is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, expressing grief over national catastrophe, exile, and brokenness.

How to observe (step by step)

Before sundown

1. Eat a final pre‑fast meal
   • Simple foods, often including a boiled egg and bread, eaten seated low to show mourning.
2. Change into plain clothing

• Avoid festive or luxurious garments.

Evening of Tisha B’Av

1. Begin the fast at sundown (no food or drink until the next night, if medically safe).
2. Remove leather shoes and wear simple footwear.
3. Dim the lights and sit on the floor or low stools.
4. Read the Book of Lamentations (Eichah), often by candlelight.
5. Recite kinot (dirges) or other readings about destruction and exile.

Daytime of Tisha B’Av

1. Continue fasting and refraining from:
   • Eating and drinking
   • Bathing for pleasure
   • Perfume, marital relations
   • Leisure or entertainment
2. Attend morning and afternoon services if possible, with additional kinot and readings.
3. Spend time in sober reflection
   • Study texts about the Temple, sinat chinam (baseless hatred), and hope for restoration.
4. At nightfall, break the fast

• Eat gently and slowly; transition out of mourning gradually.

8. Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)

When in 2026 (Diaspora): Evening September 11 to nightfall September 13 (two days).

Historical context

Rosh Hashanah is described in the Torah as a day of blowing the shofar and sacred assembly. Rabbinic tradition identifies it as the anniversary of humanity’s creation and the Day of Judgment, when God examines all creatures. It begins the Ten Days of Awe, a period of repentance culminating in Yom Kippur.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before the holiday

1. Seek reconciliation
   • Apologize and set things right with others where possible.
2. Prepare festive meals

• Include round challah, apples and honey, and other symbolic foods.

Evenings of Rosh Hashanah

1. Light candles before sundown each night.
2. Make kiddush and bless the bread.
3. Eat symbolic foods
   • Apples dipped in honey (for a sweet year).
   • Pomegranate (for abundant merits), and other local customs.
4. Share words of blessing

• Speak specific hopes and prayers for the coming year.

Days of Rosh Hashanah

1. Attend synagogue services
   • Hear the shofar blown (multiple sets of blasts).
2. Listen and respond inwardly
   • Treat the shofar as a spiritual wake‑up call to change and return to God.
3. Tashlich (optional ceremony)

• Go to a body of water and symbolically “cast off” sins, often by shaking out pockets or tossing small crumbs.

9. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

When in 2026: Evening September 20 (Kol Nidre) to nightfall September 21.

Historical context

Yom Kippur is commanded in the Torah as the day of atonement, when the high priest purified the sanctuary and the people through sacrifices and confessions. After the Temple’s destruction, prayer and repentance became the primary means of observance. It is the holiest day in the Jewish year, devoted to forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal of the covenant.

How to observe (step by step)

Before Yom Kippur

1. Make amends with others
   • Seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged.
2. Eat a pre‑fast meal
   • Fill but do not overburden yourself; reduce salty foods.
3. Dress simply and respectfully

• Many wear white (symbolizing purity), avoiding leather shoes.

Kol Nidre evening (Sept 20)

1. Begin the fast at sundown (no food or drink for ~25 hours, if medically able).
2. Attend the Kol Nidre service

• Hear the Kol Nidre declaration and enter a solemn, introspective frame.

Yom Kippur day (Sept 21)

1. Spend the day in prayer
   • Five services (evening, morning, Musaf, afternoon, Ne’ilah) if following traditional structure.
2. Refrain from:
   • Eating, drinking
   • Bathing for pleasure, perfume, leather shoes
   • Marital relations
3. Repeated confessions (Vidui)
   • Join in communal confessions, owning personal and collective failures.
4. Ne’ilah (closing service)

• Be especially focused as “the gates are closing”; end with final shofar blast.

After nightfall

1. Break the fast gently
   • Start with water/juice and light food, then move to a fuller meal.
2. Mark the transition with gratitude

• Thank God for life, forgiveness, and another chance.

10. Sukkot

When in 2026 (Diaspora): Begins evening September 25; first day September 26. The festival lasts seven days, followed by Shemini Atzeret.

Historical context

Sukkot is a harvest festival and one of the three pilgrimage feasts. It also commemorates Israel’s dwelling in temporary booths during the desert journey after the Exodus. Living or eating in the sukkah demonstrates dependence on God’s shelter rather than permanent structures.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before Sukkot

1. Build a sukkah
   • Structure with at least three walls and a roof (s’chach) of natural materials (branches, bamboo).
   • The roof should give shade yet allow some visibility of the sky.
2. Decorate

• Hang simple decorations, lights, and artwork to create a welcoming, honored space.

During Sukkot (Sept 26–Oct 2)

1. Eat in the sukkah
   • Have all main meals there; recite a blessing for dwelling in the sukkah when eating sufficient bread.
2. Invite guests (physical and spiritual)
   • Host family, friends, and symbolically the “ushpizin” (spiritual guests from Israel’s history).
3. Use the Four Species (except on Shabbat)

• Take lulav (palm), etrog (citron), hadassim (myrtle), and aravot (willow).
• Recite the blessing and wave them in six directions.

Synagogue

1. Attend festival services

• Hear additional psalms (Hallel) and join Hoshanot processions (circling with the Four Species).

11. Hoshana Rabbah

When in 2026: Evening October 1 to nightfall October 2 (7th day of Sukkot).

Historical context

Hoshana Rabbah preserves aspects of ancient Temple water‑drawing and willow rituals, and is seen as the final “seal” of judgment after Yom Kippur in some traditions. It combines the joy of Sukkot with a serious spiritual tone.

How to observe (step by step)

1. Remain in the sukkah
   • Continue eating in the sukkah as on other Sukkot days.
2. Attend special synagogue service
   • Multiple Hoshanot: processions around the synagogue with lulav and etrog.
3. Willow ritual
   • Take a bundle of willow branches (separate from the lulav set).
   • Beat them lightly on the ground several times, symbolizing prayer for rain and life, and the falling away of harsh decrees.
4. Add Psalms and study

• Many recite all of Psalms or special portions as extra devotion.

12. Shemini Atzeret

When in 2026 (Diaspora): Evening October 2 to nightfall October 3.
(Many Diaspora communities keep Simchat Torah as the second day; here we focus on Shemini Atzeret itself.)

Historical context

Shemini Atzeret is described as an eighth‑day assembly following Sukkot, often interpreted as God asking His people to “stay one more day” before departing. It both concludes the festival season and inaugurates prayers for rain in the Land of Israel.

How to celebrate (step by step)

1. Transition out of the sukkah
   • Many no longer eat in the sukkah (customs vary), treating this as a distinct festival.
2. Festival meals
   • Hold Yom Tov meals as on other major festivals, with kiddush, special foods, and joy.
3. Synagogue prayers
   • Attend services including Tefillat Geshem (Prayer for Rain), marking the shift to the rainy season in Israel.
4. Give thanks

• Reflect on the entire High Holy Day season and seal it with gratitude and renewed dedication.

13. Hanukkah

When in 2026: Evening December 4 to nightfall December 12 (eight nights).

Historical context

Hanukkah remembers the Maccabean revolt against Seleucid Greek oppression (2nd century BCE), the purification and rededication of the Temple, and the tradition of the miracle of the oil—one day’s oil burning for eight days. It celebrates religious freedom, fidelity to God’s covenant, and the triumph of light over darkness.

How to celebrate (step by step)

Before Hanukkah

1. Acquire a hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah)
   • Eight equal branches and one separate shamash (helper).
2. Get candles or oil

• Enough for 1+2+…+8 = 36 lights plus shamash each night.

Each night of Hanukkah

1. Place the hanukkiah
   • In a window or doorway where it can be safely seen from outside (publicizing the miracle).
2. Add candles
   • Night 1: one candle on the far right; each night add one more to the left.
3. Light in this order
   • Light the shamash first, recite the blessings, then light the other candles from left to right (newest first).
4. Let them burn

• Allow the candles to burn down on their own (within safety), not using the light for practical work.

Around the lights

1. Sing Hanukkah songs
   • e.g., “Ma’oz Tzur,” and tell the story of the Temple’s rededication.
2. Eat fried foods
   • Latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), or local variants as a reminder of the oil.
3. Play dreidel
   • Use the letters to recall “A great miracle happened there” (or “here” in Israel).
4. Give gifts or gelt
   • Small gifts or coins—especially for children—combined with teaching about gratitude and generosity.
5. Add extra charity

• Use the season to support those in need.