Holidays
Learn more about the holidays and how we can help make your celebrations even more meaningful.
April 12-20, 2025
Pesach
Passover (Pesach) celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt when we became a nation. On Pesach, we hold a seder where we tell the story of the exodus, eat matzah and bitter herbs, and drink four cups of wine. For the duration of Pesach, we don't eat anything leaven (chametz).
Lag BaOmer
May 16, 2025
Lag BaOmer honors the passing of the great sage and kabbalist Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar. On the day of his passing, he revealed great secrets of the Torah and requested of his disciples to rejoice. Lag BaOmer also commemorates the end of a plague that raged amongst the disciples of Rabbi Akiva. It is celebrated by outings and bonfires, especially for children.
Shavuos
June 1-3, 2025
Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai more than 33 hundred years ago. It is celebrated by reading of the Ten Commandments in synagogue, recalling and re-experiencing this monumental event. We stay up all night to learn Torah, feast on dairy foods, and more.
June 29, 2025
Gimmel Tammuz
The anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory. It is an opportunity to pay tribute and reflect on his continued impact as the leader responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry.
Rosh Hashanah
Sept. 22-24, 2025
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the birthday of the universe, the day G‑d created Adam and Eve - the center of the universe. It celebrates the Jewish and the World New Year. The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) on both mornings of the holiday (except on Shabbat). Together with Yom Kippur (which culminates 10 days of repentance), it is referred to as the Yamim Nora'im (Days of Awe, or High Holidays).
October 1-2, 2025
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) is the holiest day of the year, when we are closest to G‑d and the essence of our souls. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d.” For nearly 26 hours we abstain from food/drink, do not wash or apply lotions/creams, do not wear leather shoes & abstain from marital relations. We spend the day in prayer and asking for forgiveness.
October 6-13 & 13-15 2025
Sukkos & Simchat Torah
Sukkot commemorates G‑d sheltering our ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. The seven days of Sukkot are celebrated by dwelling in the sukkah, a temporary hut exposed to the weather; making a blessing as we hold the "Four Kinds" – a palm branch (lulav), two willows (aravot), a minimum of three myrtles (hadassim) and one citron (etrog) – and rejoicing. Sukkot is followed by Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
Chanukah
December 14-22, 2025
Chanukah commemorate the miraculous victory of a small group of Jewish people over their Greek oppressors, enabling them the observance of Torah and Mitzvot. In rededicating the Temple in Jerusalem, they found a jar of pure oil for one day of lighting which lasted for eight days. "The Festival of lights" is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, prayers, distribution of "Gelt" and fried foods.