The Chabad calendar is a Jewish calendar that is used by Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidim. It is based on the Hebrew calendar, but it has some unique features that make it different from other Jewish calendars. One of the most notable features of the Chabad calendar is that it includes a list of all the Jewish holidays and festivals, as well as the corresponding Torah readings. Additionally, the Chabad calendar includes a number of special notations that are relevant to Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidim.
The Chabad calendar is an important tool for Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidim. It helps them to plan their religious observances and to connect with their Jewish heritage. The calendar is also a valuable resource for non-Hasidim who are interested in learning more about Chabad-Lubavitch Judaism.
The Chabad calendar is a living document that is constantly being updated and revised. This is because the Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which means that it can vary slightly from year to year. As a result, the Chabad calendar must be adjusted each year to reflect the changes in the lunar cycle. Additionally, the Chabad calendar is updated to include new information and insights into Chabad-Lubavitch Judaism.
New Year’s Celebrations
The Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, is a two-day holiday that marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. It falls on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which typically occurs in September or October. Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection and repentance, as well as a celebration of the creation of the world.
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to attend synagogue services, which include the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn. The shofar is blown 100 times over the course of the day, symbolizing the 100 days of repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Other traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah include eating apples dipped in honey, which symbolizes the hope for a sweet new year, and reciting the Tashlich prayer, which involves symbolically casting one’s sins into a body of water.
The second day of Rosh Hashanah is typically a more festive day, with families and friends gathering for meals and celebrations. It is also customary to visit the graves of loved ones on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
| Day | Date | Customs |
|---|---|---|
| First Day | [Date of first day of Rosh Hashanah] | Synagogue services, shofar blowing, eating apples and honey, Tashlich prayer |
| Second Day | [Date of second day of Rosh Hashanah] | Festive meals, family gatherings, visiting graves |
Weekly Torah Readings
The Chabad calendar provides a structured plan for studying the Torah throughout the year. It is divided into 54 weekly Torah readings, each of which covers a specific portion of the text. These readings are arranged according to the Jewish liturgical year, beginning with the first reading on Simchat Torah and ending with the last reading on Shemini Atzeret.
The Weekly Torah Reading Cycle
The weekly Torah reading cycle is organized into three main sections:
- The Five Books of Moses (Chumash): The Torah consists of five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Each week, a portion of one of these books is read. The Torah reading cycle typically begins with the first chapter of Genesis and ends with the last chapter of Deuteronomy.
- The Prophets (Nevi’im): The Nevi’im include the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets. On certain weeks during the year, a portion of one of these books is read in addition to the Torah reading.
- The Writings (Ketuvim): The Ketuvim include the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. On certain weeks during the year, a portion of one of these books is read in addition to the Torah reading.
The Purpose of the Weekly Torah Reading
The weekly Torah reading serves several purposes:
- To keep the Torah alive in the minds and hearts of the Jewish people.
- To provide a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration.
- To foster a sense of community among Jews around the world.
By studying the Torah on a regular basis, Jews can gain a deeper understanding of their faith and connect with their heritage.
Weekly Torah Reading Schedule
The following table lists the weekly Torah readings for the year 2025:
| Week | Torah Reading | Haftarah |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:1-6:8 | Isaiah 42:5-43:10 |
| 2 | Genesis 6:9-11:32 | Isaiah 54:1-55:5 |
| 3 | Genesis 12:1-17:27 | Isaiah 40:27-41:16 |
Chabad Calendar Events
Jewish High Holidays
- Rosh Hashanah (September 29 – October 1, 2025): marks the beginning of the High Holidays and the Jewish New Year.
- Yom Kippur (October 7-8, 2025): the Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting and prayer.
Jewish Festivals
- Passover (April 11-18, 2025): commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.
- Shavuot (May 24-25, 2025): celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
- Sukkot (October 1-9, 2025): marks the time spent in temporary shelters during the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness.
- Simchat Torah (October 9-10, 2025): celebrates the completion and annual restart of the Torah reading cycle.
Minor Jewish Holidays
- Hanukkah (December 10-18, 2025): the eight-day Festival of Lights, commemorating a Jewish victory in ancient times.
- Purim (March 7-8, 2025): celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from a plot to destroy them.
- Lag BaOmer (May 14, 2025): marks the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a renowned Jewish sage.
Additional Chabad Observances
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 16, 2025 | Passover Seder |
| May 10, 2025 | Lag BaOmer Bonfire |
| June 18, 2025 | Yom Yerushalayim |
| July 29, 2025 | Tisha B’Av |
Community Gatherings
Chabad communities around the world host a wide range of gatherings for members and visitors alike. These gatherings provide opportunities for spiritual growth, social connection, and community building.
Torah Study
Weekly Torah study sessions are a cornerstone of Chabad community life. These sessions are open to all and provide a forum for discussing the weekly Torah portion in depth.
Shabbat Services
Chabad communities host lively and welcoming Shabbat services every week. These services include traditional prayers, inspiring sermons, and a festive atmosphere.
Holiday Celebrations
Chabad communities celebrate Jewish holidays with joy and enthusiasm. Gatherings during holidays typically include prayers, special meals, and unique traditions.
Community Events
Chabad communities often organize social and educational events for members and their families. These events can include lectures, workshops, family programs, and recreational activities.
Charitable Initiatives
Chabad communities are actively involved in a wide range of charitable activities, including supporting the needy, providing educational opportunities, and caring for the elderly.
Interfaith Dialogue
Chabad communities promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation with other faith communities. They host events and programs that bring people of different backgrounds together to foster understanding and respect.
Chabad Calendar 2025: A Complete Overview
The Chabad calendar, also known as the Lubavitch calendar, is a Hebrew calendar published by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. It is based on the calculations of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Rebbe of Chabad, and is widely used by Chabad adherents and others interested in Jewish customs and traditions.
The Chabad calendar for 2025 begins on Monday, September 8, 2024, and ends on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. It includes all of the major Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover. The calendar also includes information on the weekly Torah portions, the daily Psalms, and other important Jewish dates.
