Jewish Holidays: A Beginner's Guide for Converts
7 min read
An overview of the major Jewish holidays throughout the year — what they celebrate, key traditions, and how to observe them as a new Jew.
Quick answer
The main Jewish holidays are the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur), the three pilgrimage festivals (Sukkot, Pesach, Shavuot), and others such as Hanukkah, Purim, and Tu B'Shvat. The most important observance is the weekly Shabbat, from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall.
Understanding Jewish holidays is essential for anyone on the path to conversion. Here's your comprehensive guide to the Jewish calendar.
What Are the High Holidays (Yamim Noraim)?
Rosh Hashanah — Jewish New Year
- Falls in September/October (Tishrei 1-2)
- Celebrated with apple and honey, shofar blowing
- A time of reflection and renewal
Yom Kippur — Day of Atonement
- The holiest day of the Jewish year
- 25-hour fast, intensive prayer
- A day of repentance and forgiveness
What Are the Three Pilgrimage Festivals?
Sukkot — Feast of Tabernacles
- Building and dwelling in a sukkah (temporary hut)
- Waving the four species (lulav, etrog, hadassim, aravot)
- Seven days of celebration
Pesach (Passover)
- Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt
- Seder meal with matzah, bitter herbs
- No chametz (leavened bread) for 8 days
Shavuot — Festival of Weeks
- Celebrates receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai
- All-night Torah study (Tikkun Leil Shavuot)
- Dairy foods tradition
What Other Important Holidays Are There?
Hanukkah
- Eight days of light, menorah lighting
- Commemorates the Temple rededication
Purim
- Reading Megillat Esther
- Costumes, gifts of food, charity
Tu B'Shvat
- New Year of the Trees
- Eating fruits, environmental awareness
What Is Shabbat?
The most important "holiday" — every week! From Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall, a day of rest, prayer, and family.