Guide to Jewish Holidays

The Jewish calendar is filled with many major and minor holidays and we are here to unpack them all.

Rosh Hashanah guide 2025: How and when to celebrate the Jewish New Year

Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and how to celebrate it.

High Holidays 2025 guide: When are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 2025?

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur never land the same time twice — so when are the High Holidays in 2025? We’ve got you.

Tisha B’Av: Why have Jews been mourning for 2,000 years?

Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the two ancient Temples in Jerusalem and other disasters that have befallen the Jewish people.

What Is Tisha B’Av? The Jewish day of mourning, explained

Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning, but why do many Jews continue to say the mourning prayers and fast on the 9th of Av?

Shavuot guide 2025: How and when to celebrate the giving of the Torah (and cheesecake)

Shavuot may not get as much attention as other Jewish holidays like Hanukkah, Passover and Purim, but it celebrates what is the most important event in all of Jewish history: receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai.

More than just cheesecake: Why Shavuot is the most underrated holiday

What is Yom Ha’atzmaut? When and how do we celebrate Israel’s Independence Day?

Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) takes place on the date in the Hebrew calendar that Israel declared independence, the 5th of Iyar.

What is Yom Hazikaron? How and when do we commemorate Israel’s Memorial Day?

Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) is a day to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers as well as Israeli victims of terror.

What’s on the table? Understanding the symbolism of Passover Seder foods

Every item on the Seder plate is a chance to see ourselves more clearly, encouraging us not just to remember history, but to reflect on our experiences.

Prayers and readings for peace, Israel, and Ukraine to add to your Passover Seder

Here are a few prayers and readings that you might consider incorporating into your Seder during these challenging times:

Passover greetings: What to say to your Jewish friends on Passover

You might be wondering how to greet your Jewish friends during Passover. Is “Happy Passover” enough? Are there more traditional or thoughtful phrases to use? We’ve got you covered!

The first mention of Israel: A Passover special on the Merneptah Stele

Subscribe to
This Week Unpacked

Each week we bring you a wrap-up of all the best stories from Unpacked. Stay in the know and feel smarter about all things Jewish.

Unpacking Israel at war

All the answers you’re looking for in one place

Learn More →

Menu

Guide to Jewish Holidays

Subscribe to
This Week Unpacked

Trending

Company

Information

Subscribe to This Week Unpacked

Guide to Jewish Holidays

Subscribe to This Week Unpacked​

Trending

Company

Information

Subscribe to
This Week Unpacked