Jewish Holidays & Resources

Your Connection to Judaism and Jewish Life

Looking for the date of the next Jewish Holiday? Interested in the meaning of Jewish traditions or where you can celebrate here in St. Louis? It is important to us here at the J that you find the answer to your questions. This page will have relevant information on a variety of topics such as these and if you can’t get your question answered, we will provide you links to other places that will. For more information on a particular Holiday click on the Holiday's name for an informational brochure.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishrei and is the Jewish New Year.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the most important and holiest days of the Jewish year and occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and is the day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year.

Sukkot

Sukkot begins the fifth day after Yom Kippur or the 15th of Tishrei. Sukkot, which means Booths, is the Season of Rejoicing and celebrates the fall harvest.

Shemini Atzeret

Shemini Atzeret is a holiday which celebrates an assembly of the eighth day and when the Jewish community begins to pray for rain.

Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah which means "Rejoicing in the Torah" marks the completion or end of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah, commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Tu B'Shevat

Tu B'Shevat, known as the New Year for Trees, is celebrated on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat.

Purim

Purim, celebrated in late winter/early spring is a festive mardi-gras type Jewish holiday recounting the story of the Jews in Persia thousands of years ago.

Passover

Passover is the Spring Jewish holiday of freedom, celebrating the redemption of the Israelites from slavery to freedom.

Yom Hazikaron

Yom Hazikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day when the Jewish community honors those soldiers and victims of terror who have died in the defense of the State of Israel.

Yom Ha'Atzmaut

Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, takes place the day after Yom Hazikaron each Spring marking the anniversary of the State of Israel.

Shavuot

Shavuot is an early summer time holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

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