The annual cycle of Jewish holidays is a central part of life at Tikvat Israel. For the latest information on this year’s celebrations, please visit our Recent News page. For more general information, click below.
All holidays begin at sundown. A brief overview of special observances and customs, and any special Torah readings, is also available on the Hebcal website.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 15, 2023 and ends at sundown on September 17, 2023.
Yom Kippur begins with Kol Nidre at sundown on September 24, 2023 and ends at sundown on September 25, 2023.
Begins at sunset on September 29, 2023 through sunset on October 6, 2023.
Sundown October 7, 2023 through October 8, 2023.
Hanukkah is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, at sunset on December 7, 2023 and lasts for eight days until sunset on December 15, 2023.
In Hebrew, the word “hanukkah” means “dedication.” The name reminds us that this holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E. Hanukkah is also known as the festival of lights.
Sundown February 12, 2024 through February 13, 2024.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THIS YEAR’S PURIM CELEBRATIONS
Sundown March 23, 2024 through sundown March 24, 2024.
Sundown April 22, 2024 (1st sedar) through sundown April 30, 2024.
Click here for a full listing of Passover services, information, and events.
Sundown May 15, 2024 through May 16, 2024.
Sundown June 11, 2024 through June 13, 2024.
“Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem” by Francesco Hayez, 1867
Sundown August 12, 2024 through August 13, 2024.
Tisha B’Av – the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av – is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the 1st Temple in 586 BCE, the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, and is also associated with the beginning of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 and other tragic historic events. Traditionally, many of these events were seen as punishment for not upholding the mitzvot or for the lack of civility among people of different factions of Judaism. Regardless of one’s belief about the cause of the Temple’s destruction (or desire to rebuild it), this day is a reminder of the many attempts throughout history to destroy the Jewish people and Judaism. It is also an opportunity for us to mourn the losses we have endured. Traditionally, we engage in a full 24 hour fast and listen to the reading of Megillat Eicha (Lamentations) to help us focus on the solemnity of the day and commit ourselves to building a better future.
Tisha B’Av is the culmination of a three-week period of mourning that begins with the minor fast day of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz (17th of Tammuz), which marked the breach of the city walls in Jerusalem that preceded the destruction of the 1st Temple. It also begins the lead-up to the season of repentance, with Rosh Hashanah just seven weeks away.
