When is the next Jewish holiday in 2025? As we look forward to the upcoming year, it’s important to mark the dates of these significant religious and cultural events. Jewish holidays are based on the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunar calendar, and they often fall on different dates each year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, there are several Jewish holidays that will be celebrated, each with its own unique traditions and religious significance.
The first major Jewish holiday in 2025 is Rosh Hashanah, which marks the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is traditionally observed on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. In 2025, Rosh Hashanah will begin at sunset on September 18th and end at nightfall on September 20th. This holiday is a time for reflection, prayer, and the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, to symbolize the Jewish people’s call to repentance and the beginning of a new year.
Following Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is one of the most solemn days on the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is observed on the 10th day of Tishrei and in 2025, it will begin at sunset on September 27th and end at nightfall on September 28th. This day is dedicated to fasting, prayer, and repentance, as Jews seek forgiveness for their sins and commit to bettering themselves in the coming year.
After the High Holy Days, the Jewish community will celebrate Sukkot, also known as the Festival of Booths or the Feast of Tabernacles. Sukkot is a seven-day holiday that commemorates the 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. In 2025, Sukkot will begin at sunset on October 2nd and end at nightfall on October 9th. During this holiday, Jews build a temporary booth or sukkah and gather together for meals and prayer, symbolizing their ancestors’ temporary dwellings in the desert.
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, will also be celebrated in 2025. This eight-day holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Greek-Syrian army. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev and in 2025, it will start at sunset on December 18th and end at nightfall on December 26th. Chanukah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, the eating of fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and the singing of traditional songs.
Lastly, the year 2025 will end with the celebration of Shabbat Shekalim, which marks the collection of the half-shekel tax for the Temple in Jerusalem. This holiday is observed on the first day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which in 2025 will be on February 15th. While Shabbat Shekalim is not as widely celebrated as other Jewish holidays, it holds historical significance and is a reminder of the importance of contributing to the welfare of the Jewish community.
By keeping track of these Jewish holidays in 2025, we can better appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions and spiritual practices that make up the Jewish faith. Whether you are Jewish or simply interested in learning more about this vibrant religion, understanding the dates and customs of these holidays can deepen your knowledge and appreciation of Jewish culture.
