Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days. It’s a time of reflection, renewal, and hope—an opportunity to look back on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. In Reform Judaism, we celebrate with meaningful prayer, the sounding of the shofar, and traditions that inspire spiritual growth and connection.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It’s a time for deep reflection, prayer, and personal growth as we seek forgiveness, make amends, and commit to doing better in the year ahead. In Reform Judaism, Yom Kippur is observed through meaningful worship, including the Kol Nidre and Neilah services, offering a powerful opportunity for renewal and spiritual connection.

Selichot

Selichot is a special service held in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah that helps us spiritually prepare for the High Holy Days. Through prayer, music, and reflection, we begin the process of teshuvah—turning inward, seeking forgiveness, and setting intentions for the new year. In Reform communities, Selichot often includes meaningful liturgy and reflective moments that open our hearts to renewal and transformation.

Sukkot

Sukkot is a joyful, week-long festival that celebrates the harvest and reminds us of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. We build and decorate a sukkah—a temporary outdoor structure—and gather there for meals, prayer, and community. In Reform Judaism, Sukkot is a time to express gratitude, connect with nature, and celebrate the blessings in our lives.

simchat Torah

A festive celebration marking the completion and new beginning of the annual Torah reading cycle. It’s a joyful time filled with singing, dancing, and communal celebration as we honor the Torah—the heart of Jewish life and learning. Simchat Torah brings our community together to rejoice in the gift of Torah and our shared journey of study and growth.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, celebrating the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the ancient Temple. It’s a joyful time marked by lighting the menorah, playing games like dreidel, enjoying festive foods, and spending time with family and community. Hanukkah is also a celebration of religious freedom, hope, and the enduring spirit of resilience.

Tu Bishvat

Tu BiShvat is a joyful celebration of nature, growth, and our deep connection to the Earth. Often called the "Jewish Earth Day," it reminds us of our sacred responsibility to care for the world around us and nurture sustainability for future generations. We mark the day by planting trees, enjoying fruits—especially those from Israel—and gathering for a Tu BiShvat Seder filled with meaning, gratitude, and hope for a greener future.

Purim

Tu BiShvat, often called the “New Year for Trees,” is a celebration of nature and the environment. It’s a time to appreciate the earth’s gifts, plant trees, and enjoy seasonal fruits—especially those associated with the Land of Israel. Tu BiShvat inspires us to care for the planet and renew our connection to the natural world.

Passover

Passover (Pesach) is a celebration of freedom and liberation, commemorating the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom in ancient Egypt. Central to the holiday is the Seder—a special meal filled with stories, songs, and symbolic foods that help us remember the struggle for freedom and inspire us to pursue justice today. Passover is a time to reflect on our shared history and recommit to the values of freedom and equality.

Yom Hashoah

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a solemn day dedicated to remembering the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. It is a time to honor their memory, reflect on the lessons of this tragic history, and recommit to standing against hatred, intolerance, and injustice.

YOM HAZIKARON

Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, is a solemn day dedicated to honoring and remembering Israeli soldiers who have fallen in defense of the country, as well as victims of terrorism. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and mourning, recognizing their sacrifice for the safety and future of Israel. Yom HaZikaron is observed with moments of remembrance and prayers for peace.

YOM HAATZMAUT

Yom Haatzmaut Israel’s Independence Day, celebrating the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948. It’s a day of joy, gratitude, and pride in Israel’s achievements and resilience. This day is an opportunity to celebrate Israeli culture, reflect on the ongoing journey of the Jewish people, and express hope for peace and a bright future.

Lag Baomer

On this festive day, that occurs during the Counting of the Omer, is a period of reflection between Passover and Shavuot. It celebrates the life of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a great teacher and mystic, and is often marked with outdoor activities, bonfires, and community gatherings. Lag BaOmer is a joyful break in the season of introspection—a time to celebrate learning, friendship, and the joy of being together.

Shavuot

Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, marking the moment when the Jewish people received their sacred teachings. It’s also a harvest festival, often observed by studying Torah, attending special services, and enjoying dairy foods. Shavuot is a time to renew our commitment to learning, justice, and living out the values of the Torah in our daily lives.

Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history. It is observed with fasting, reflection, and readings of lamentations. It is a time to remember the past, honor resilience, and inspire hope for peace and renewal.

Holidays