October 2025 brings with it a plethora of significant Jewish holidays that invite reflection, celebration, and a deep connection to tradition. As the leaves turn vibrant hues and the air becomes crisp, the Jewish community prepares to observe these sacred occasions with both reverence and joy.
One of the most important holidays of the month is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Falling on October 25, 2025, this solemn day is a time for introspection and repentance. Jews engage in fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness from God and one another. It marks the culmination of the “High Holidays” period that began with Rosh Hashanah and provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a fresh start for the coming year.
Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, follows closely on the heels of Yom Kippur. Starting on October 27, 2025, Sukkot commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their Exodus from Egypt. Jews construct temporary booths or “sukkahs” to symbolize the dwellings they lived in during that time. The holiday is filled with festive meals, prayers, and the waving of palm fronds and citrons, symbolizing the bounty of the land.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Significance and Rituals
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated over two days in early autumn. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, a period of introspection and repentance. The holiday commemorates the creation of the world and the renewal of the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
The central rituals of Rosh Hashanah include the sounding of the shofar (a ram’s horn) and the eating of symbolic foods. The shofar blast symbolizes the call to repentance, while the sweet foods (such as apples dipped in honey) represent the hope for a sweet new year. Other traditions include attending synagogue services, reciting special prayers, and lighting candles.
Symbols and Customs
In addition to the shofar and sweet foods, Rosh Hashanah is associated with several other symbols and customs:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White clothing | Purity and renewal |
| Prayer book (machzor) | Special liturgy for the High Holy Days |
| Lulav and etrog | Plants that represent the harvest and the unity of the Jewish people |
| Tashlich | Ceremony of casting bread crumbs into flowing water to symbolize the casting away of sins |
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of reflection, repentance, and fasting. Jews believe that on this day, God judges each person’s deeds for the past year and determines their fate for the coming year.
Traditions and Observances of Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is observed with a number of traditions and practices, including:
Fasting
Fasting is one of the most important observances of Yom Kippur. Jews are required to fast for 25 hours, beginning at sundown the evening before Yom Kippur and ending at nightfall on Yom Kippur. During this time, Jews are not allowed to eat or drink anything, including water.
| Fasting Period | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Yom Kippur Eve | Sundown | Nightfall |
| Yom Kippur | Nightfall | Nightfall |
Fasting is a symbol of repentance and atonement. By denying themselves food and water, Jews are showing their remorse for their sins and their willingness to change their ways.
There are some exceptions to the fasting requirement. Children under the age of 13, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people who are ill are not required to fast.
Sukkot: The Feast of Tabernacles
Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a biblical Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the wilderness after their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
The holiday begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which typically falls in September or October. It lasts for seven days, and during this time Jews build temporary shelters called sukkahs, which symbolize the Israelites’ temporary shelters during their journey.
Rituals and Traditions
The sukkah is a temporary structure, typically made of wood and covered with branches or cloth, that is built in the backyard or on the roof of a house. The sukkah must be large enough to accommodate the family for meals and sleeping but small enough to allow the stars to be seen through the roof.
During Sukkot, Jews are required to eat all their meals in the sukkah. They also spend as much time as possible in the sukkah, studying Torah, singing, and telling stories.
In addition to building sukkahs, Jews also observe the following customs during Sukkot:
| Custom | Description |
|---|---|
| Sukkah | Build a temporary shelter to commemorate the Israelites’ shelters in the wilderness |
| Lulav and Etrog | Wave a bouquet of four species (palm branch, myrtle, willow, and citron) during prayers |
| Simchat Torah | Celebrate the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one |
Simchat Torah: The Rejoicing of the Torah
Simchat Torah, the Rejoicing of the Torah, is a Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. It is celebrated on the 22nd day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls in October or November. The holiday is observed over two days, with the first day being a full holiday and the second day being a half-holiday.
Torah Reading
The Torah reading on Simchat Torah is unique in that the entire Torah is read, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Deuteronomy. This reading is divided into seven sections, one for each day of the week. On Simchat Torah, the final section of the Torah, which includes the account of Moses’ death and the blessing of the twelve tribes, is read.
Hakafot
One of the most distinctive features of Simchat Torah is the hakafot, or dancing with the Torah scrolls. During the hakafot, the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and paraded around the synagogue. This is done to symbolize the joy and celebration of the completion of the Torah reading cycle.
Simchat Bet HaShoeva
Simchat Bet HaShoeva is a special celebration that takes place on the evening of Simchat Torah. This celebration is characterized by lively music, dancing, and singing. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the joy of the holiday.
| Date(Gregorian) | Date(Hebrew) |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2025 | 22 Tishrei 5786 |
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The festival is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabra, and the exchange of gifts.
Customs and Traditions
During Hanukkah, it is customary to light the menorah each night, starting with one candle on the first night and adding one more candle each subsequent night. The candles are lit in a specific order, and a blessing is recited before each lighting. It is also customary to eat fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), during Hanukkah.
The Story of Hanukkah
The story of Hanukkah begins in the 2nd century BCE, when the Seleucid Empire, a Greek-speaking empire, ruled over Judea. The Seleucids attempted to force the Jews to abandon their religion and adopt Greek customs. A group of Jewish rebels, led by the Maccabees, fought against the Seleucids and eventually won their independence.
The Miracle of the Oil
After the Maccabees had recaptured the Temple in Jerusalem, they found that the only oil left to light the menorah was enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which gave the Maccabees time to find new oil.
The Symbolism of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a festival of hope and redemption. The lighting of the menorah symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The eight days of the festival represent the eight days of creation. The fried foods eaten during Hanukkah symbolize the oil that miraculously lasted for eight days.
Purim: The Festival of Lots
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the evil Haman, who plotted to exterminate them. The holiday is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, the sixth month of the Jewish calendar.
The story of Purim is found in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. It tells of how Esther, a Jewish woman, became queen of Persia. When her uncle Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, Haman became enraged and plotted to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.
Esther learned of Haman’s plan and, with the help of Mordecai, devised a plan to save her people. She invited Haman to a feast and, during the meal, revealed her Jewish identity and Haman’s plot to the king.
The king was furious and ordered Haman to be hanged. Mordecai was appointed as Haman’s successor and the Jews were saved.
Celebrating Purim
Purim is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions, including:
- Reading the Book of Esther
- Wearing costumes
- Eating hamantashchen (triangular pastries filled with fruit)
- Giving gifts of food and money
- Playing games
- Drinking wine
The Significance of the Number Six
The number six plays a significant role in the Purim story. The following are six important events that occurred during the holiday:
| Event | Significance |
|---|---|
| Esther was chosen to be queen | She was the only one who could save her people |
| Haman plotted to kill the Jews | He was a vicious and evil man |
| Esther invited Haman to a feast | She revealed his plot to the king |
| Haman was hanged | He received the punishment he deserved |
| Mordecai was appointed as Haman’s successor | He was a righteous and just man |
| The Jews were saved | They celebrated their deliverance with great joy |
Passover: The Festival of Liberation
Seven Days of Unleavened Bread
Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The holiday begins with the Seder, a special meal eaten on the first night of Passover. During the Seder, Jews recount the story of the Exodus and eat symbolic foods that represent the hardships and freedom experienced by the Israelites.
The Seven Days of Unleavened Bread
Following the Seder, Passover is celebrated for seven days. During this time, Jews are forbidden from eating leavened bread. Instead, they eat matzah, a type of unleavened bread that represents the unleavened bread eaten by the Israelites during their flight from Egypt.
The Number Seven
The number seven plays a significant role in Passover. The holiday lasts for seven days, and the Seder is traditionally served with seven symbolic foods. These foods are:
| Food | Symbol |
|---|---|
| Matzah | Unleavened bread eaten by the Israelites during their flight from Egypt |
| Maror | Bitter herbs that represent the bitterness of slavery |
| Haroseth | A sweet paste that represents the mortar used by the Israelites to build pyramids in Egypt |
| Z’roa | A roasted lamb bone that represents the Passover sacrifice |
| Beitzah | A hard-boiled egg that represents the festival sacrifice |
| Karpas | A green vegetable that represents spring and renewal |
| Hazeret | Another bitter herb that represents the hardships of slavery |
The importance of the number seven in Passover symbolizes the completeness and perfection of the holiday’s themes of liberation and freedom.
Shavuot: The Festival of Weeks
Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. It is also known as the “Festival of Weeks” because it occurs seven weeks after the first day of Passover.
The Eight Days of Shavuot
Shavuot is actually a two-day holiday, but it is celebrated as eight days in the Diaspora. The first two days, which are the actual holiday, are called Yom Shavuot. The remaining six days are considered semi-holidays, called Chol Hamoed. During Chol Hamoed, many Jews refrain from work and other activities.
The following table summarizes the eight days of Shavuot:
| Date | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Yom Shavuot | Holiday |
| Day 2 | Yom Shavuot | Holiday |
| Day 3 | Chol Hamoed (semi-holiday) | Work permitted |
| Day 4 | Chol Hamoed (semi-holiday) | Work permitted |
| Day 5 | Chol Hamoed (semi-holiday) | Work permitted |
| Day 6 | Chol Hamoed (semi-holiday) | Work permitted |
| Day 7 | Chol Hamoed (semi-holiday) | Work permitted |
| Day 8 | Yizkor (memorial service) | Semi-holiday |
Tisha B’Av: The Ninth of Av
Tisha B’Av, also known as the Ninth of Av, is a solemn day of mourning in the Jewish calendar. It marks the anniversary of several tragic events in Jewish history, including the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people.
The Significance of the Number 9
The number nine holds particular significance in Tisha B’Av. Here are nine aspects of the day’s significance related to the number:
- **Nine Days of Mourning:** Tisha B’Av is the culmination of the Nine Days of Mourning, a period of intense reflection and sorrow that begins on the 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz.
- **Nine Fasts:** During the Nine Days of Mourning, observant Jews engage in nine fasts, starting with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz and continuing through Tisha B’Av.
- **Nine Chanting of Lamentations:** On Tisha B’Av, the Book of Lamentations, known as “Eicha” in Hebrew, is traditionally chanted nine times.
- **Nine Types of Calamities:** Jewish tradition identifies nine distinct calamities that befell the Jewish people on Tisha B’Av, including the destruction of the Temples, the Bar Kokhba revolt, and the Holocaust.
- **Nine Days of Darkness:** After the destruction of the Second Temple, the sun is believed to have gone dark for nine days in mourning.
- **Nine Gates of Hell:** Tisha B’Av is associated with the opening of the nine gates of hell, allowing evil spirits to roam free.
- **Nine Mournful Tunes:** During the chanting of Lamentations on Tisha B’Av, nine mournful tunes are traditionally used.
- **Nine Lectura:** The traditional reading of the Book of Job on Tisha B’Av is divided into nine sections, known as “lecurae.”
- **Nine Days of Atonement:** The period following Tisha B’Av is known as the Nine Days of Atonement, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Tu B’Av: The Fifteenth of Av
Tu B’Av falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av, which typically occurs in August. It is a minor Jewish holiday that commemorates several historical events, including the day when the tribes of Israel were allowed to intermarry after the Exodus from Egypt, and the day when the last Roman soldiers were expelled from Jerusalem after the Bar Kokhba revolt.
Customs and Traditions
Tu B’Av is a day of celebration and joy. It is customary to eat sweet foods, such as honey cake and fruit, to symbolize the sweetness of the day. Some people also exchange gifts or cards with loved ones.
In modern times, Tu B’Av has become known as a day for celebrating love and romance. It is often referred to as the “Jewish Valentine’s Day.” Many couples choose to get married on Tu B’Av, and it is also a popular day for proposals and other romantic gestures.
Significance of the Number 10
The number 10 plays a significant role in the symbolism of Tu B’Av. This number represents:
| Symbol | Significance |
|---|---|
| 10 Tribes of Israel | Allowed to intermarry on Tu B’Av |
| 10 Measures of God’s Grace | Granted to the Jewish people on this day |
| 10 Days of Atonement | Begin on Tu B’Av and culminate in Yom Kippur |
| 10 Commandments | Received by Moses on Mount Sinai |
| 10 Plagues | Suffered by the Egyptians during the Exodus from Egypt |
| 10 Shekels | Paid as the annual Temple tax |
| 10 Years | Span of the Exodus journey |
| 10 Generations | From Adam to Noah |
| 10 Songs | Composed by Asaph in the Book of Psalms |
| 10 Gates | Of the Temple in Jerusalem |
The number 10 is a reminder of the many blessings and miracles that the Jewish people have experienced throughout their history. It is also a symbol of the hope and promise for the future.
**October 2025 Jewish Holidays**
In October 2025, the Jewish community will celebrate a number of important holidays, including Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. These holidays are all celebrated in the fall, and they commemorate different aspects of Jewish history and faith.
Sukkot is a seven-day holiday that begins on the 15th day of Tishrei (October 9, 2025). It is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, and it commemorates the 40 years that the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. During Sukkot, Jews build temporary shelters called sukkahs, which they use for eating, sleeping, and studying the Torah.
Shemini Atzeret is a one-day holiday that follows Sukkot (October 16, 2025). It is also known as the Eighth Day of Assembly, and it is a time for Jews to reflect on the meaning of the previous seven days of Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret is also the start of the High Holy Days, which conclude with Yom Kippur.
Simchat Torah is a one-day holiday that follows Shemini Atzeret (October 17, 2025). It is also known as the Rejoicing of the Torah, and it celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings. On Simchat Torah, Jews dance with the Torah scrolls, and they sing and pray. Simchat Torah is a joyous holiday that marks the end of the High Holy Days and the beginning of the new year.
**People Also Ask About October 2025 Jewish Holidays**
**When is Sukkot in 2025?**
Sukkot begins on October 9, 2025.
**When is Shemini Atzeret in 2025?**
Shemini Atzeret is on October 16, 2025.
**When is Simchat Torah in 2025?**
Simchat Torah is on October 17, 2025.
**What are the dates of the High Holy Days in 2025?**
The High Holy Days in 2025 begin on September 29 (Rosh Hashanah) and end on October 10 (Yom Kippur).
**What is the significance of Sukkot?**
Sukkot commemorates the 40 years that the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt.
**What is the significance of Shemini Atzeret?**
Shemini Atzeret is a time for Jews to reflect on the meaning of the previous seven days of Sukkot.
**What is the significance of Simchat Torah?**
Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings.
