When are the jewish holidays in 2023?
Updated: September 6, 2024The Jewish Calendar: An Overview
The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it synchronizes both lunar months and solar years. This calendar is used to determine the dates of Jewish holidays, and it differs from the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Jewish holidays fall on different Gregorian dates each year. The Jewish calendar consists of 12 months in a common year and 13 months in a leap year. The leap year helps to keep the lunar and solar cycles aligned.
Major Jewish Holidays in 2023
Passover (Pesach)
Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It is a major holiday marked by the Seder meal and the abstention from leavened bread. In 2023, Passover begins on the evening of April 5th and ends on the evening of April 13th. The first and last days are considered full holidays, with the middle days known as Chol HaMoed.
Shavuot
Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is celebrated by studying Torah, reading the Book of Ruth, and eating dairy foods. Shavuot in 2023 will begin on the evening of May 25th and end on the evening of May 27th.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection, prayer, and the sounding of the shofar. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. In 2023, Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of September 15th and ends on the evening of September 17th.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. In 2023, Yom Kippur will begin on the evening of September 24th and conclude on the evening of September 25th.
Sukkot
Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorates the Israelites' journey in the desert. It involves dwelling in temporary structures called sukkot. Sukkot in 2023 starts on the evening of September 29th and ends on the evening of October 6th. The first and last days are full holidays, and the intervening days are Chol HaMoed.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
Shemini Atzeret is a separate festival immediately following Sukkot, and Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah in 2023 will be observed from the evening of October 6th to the evening of October 8th.
Minor Jewish Holidays in 2023
Tu BiShvat
Tu BiShvat, the New Year for Trees, is often celebrated by planting trees and eating fruits. In 2023, Tu BiShvat falls on February 6th.
Purim
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. It is celebrated with costumes, feasting, and the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther). Purim in 2023 will be on March 7th.
Lag BaOmer
Lag BaOmer marks the 33rd day of the Omer counting and is celebrated with bonfires and outdoor activities. In 2023, Lag BaOmer will be observed on May 9th.
Tisha B'Av
Tisha B'Av is a day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is observed with fasting and reading the Book of Lamentations. Tisha B'Av in 2023 falls on July 26th and 27th.
Rarely Known Jewish Observances
Shabbat HaGadol
Shabbat HaGadol is the Shabbat immediately preceding Passover, known for its special haftarah reading. In 2023, Shabbat HaGadol is on April 1st.
Shabbat Nachamu
Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat after Tisha B'Av, is named for its haftarah of consolation from the Book of Isaiah. In 2023, Shabbat Nachamu falls on August 5th.
Hoshana Rabbah
Hoshana Rabbah is the seventh day of Sukkot, marked by special prayers and the beating of willow branches. In 2023, Hoshana Rabbah will be observed on October 6th.
Yom HaShoah
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorates the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. It is observed with memorial services and educational programs. In 2023, Yom HaShoah falls on April 18th.
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut
Yom HaZikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, honors fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. It is immediately followed by Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. In 2023, Yom HaZikaron will be on April 24th and Yom HaAtzmaut on April 25th.
Yom Yerushalayim
Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. In 2023, Yom Yerushalayim falls on May 19th.
Shabbat Mevarchim
Shabbat Mevarchim is the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of a new month, and includes special prayers. These occur throughout the year before each new month.
Unique Observances in 2023
Birkat HaChamah
Birkat HaChamah, the Blessing of the Sun, is a rare event that happens every 28 years when the sun returns to its position at the time of creation according to Jewish tradition. This unique blessing will not occur in 2023 but is a notable observance in the Jewish calendar.
Purim Katan
In a leap year, a minor Purim celebration known as Purim Katan is observed in the first month of Adar. In 2023, this will be on February 5th.
As we explore the Jewish holidays in 2023, it becomes evident how deeply rooted and varied the Jewish calendar is, offering numerous opportunities for reflection, celebration, and connection to history and tradition.