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Jewish Holidays + Resources

Celebrate the richness of Jewish life all year long with the Tucson J. This space offers guidance, inspiration, and connection around meaningful moments on the Jewish calendar. Whether you’re exploring cultural traditions or deepening your understanding, you’ll find supportive tools and content to help you engage in a way that’s right for you and your family.

Shabbat

Mordechai Kaplan, a prominent Jewish philosopher taught, “An artist cannot be continually wielding his brush. He must stop at times in his painting to freshen his vision of the object, the meaning of which he wishes to express on his canvas. Living is also an art….The Sabbath represents those moments when we pause in our brushwork to renew our vision of the object. Having done so we take ourselves to our painting with clarified vision and renewed energy.” Shabbat is an opportunity for rest, reflection, renewal and reconnecting with ourselves and others.

What is Shabbat?

Shabbat is the 7th day of the week, and it is a day of rest. The Torah (Five Books of Moses) teaches: “The heaven and the earth were finished, and all their array. And on the seventh day God finished the work that had been done and ceased on the seventh day from all work that had been done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it God ceased from all work of creation that had been done.” – Genesis 2:1-3

When is Shabbat? 

Shabbat happens every week, beginning with sundown on Friday and ending with darkness and three stars in the sky on Saturday evening.

How is Shabbat celebrated?

Traditionally, we welcome Shabbat in the following way:

  • We light two white Shabbat candles and cover our eyes as we say a blessing over them. Lighting the candles is symbolic of hope and reenacting God’s first creation, light.
  • We say a blessing for our children and spouse.
  • We say a blessing over the wine, called Kiddush, which is sanctifying Shabbat as a special period.
  • We say Ha’Motzi, the blessing for challah, a specially braided bread that we eat on Shabbat. Challah is a symbol of peace.
  • We eat a festive Shabbat meal.
  • We wish others a Shabbat Shalom, which means “peaceful Shabbat.” Some people say Gut Shobbos–this is Yiddish for “have a good Sabbath.” This greeting is prevalent amongst those of Ashkenazi ancestry and those born in Europe.
  • For the full line up of Shabbat evening and day blessing, click here.
  • Shabbat ends on Saturday evening with Havdalah, a short separation ritual.

Resources

Read:

  • You’ll find relevant information (that happens to be pretty funny) from JewBelong and an awesome booklet used to guide you through Shabbat that you can download and use for free!
  • Find a variety of different resources about Shabbat from My Jewish Learning.
  • The Blue Dove Foundation is a resource focused on mental wellness, inspired by Shabbat rituals.
  • Looking for ways to celebrate Shabbat with children? PJ Library is the one stop resource you need for making Shabbat meaningful, especially for families with children thirteen and younger.
  • This inspiring compilation of resources from the Jewish Grandparents Network includes ways to make Shabbat meaningful with grandchildren – in-person or virtually.

Watch:

  • Find short, animated videos about Shabbat on BimBam. This site also includes videos about the weekly Torah portion.
  • Shalom Sesame is especially for families with young children. Let your favorite friends from Sesame Street share about Shabbat and what they find so special about this weekly holiday.

Listen:

  • Jewish Learning Matters has created a musical playlist with Shabbat music, especially for families with young kids.  
  • And, be sure to listen to this playlist to get ready for Shabbat from The Leffell School.

Do:

  • Check out these 30 Shabbat foods from around the world from Unpacked. Yum!
  • Feeling crafty? Try one or more of these Shabbat crafts from Creative Jewish Mom.

Shabbat Blessings

Blessing over the Candles

בָּרוּך אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם אַשֶׁר

קִדְשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶל שַבָּת

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu
Melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu
b’mitzvotav vitzivanu l’hadlik ner
shel Shabbat.

Blessed are You, God, Ruler of the
universe, who sanctified us with the
commandment of lighting Shabbat
candles.

Blessing over Wine

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי

הַגָּפֶן

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borei p’ri hagafen.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Blessing for the Children
For boys, the introductory line is:

יְשִׂימְךָ אֱלֹהיִם כְּאֶפְרַיְם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁה

Yismech Elohim k’Ephraim v’chi-Menashe.

May you be like Ephraim and Menashe.

 

For girls, the introductory line is:

יְשִׂימֵךְ אֱלֹהיִם כְּשָׂרָה רִבְקָה רָחֵל וְלֵאָה

Yesimech Elohim k’Sarah Rivka Rachel v’Leah

May you be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

 

For both boys and girls, the rest of the blessing is:

בָרֶכְךָ ה׳ וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ

יָאֵר ה׳ פָּנָיו  אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ

יִשָּׂא ה׳ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

Yivarechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha

Ya’er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka

Yisa Adonai panav eilecha v’yasem lecha shalom

May God bless you and protect you.

May God show you favor and be gracious to you.

May God show you kindness and grant you peace.

Blessing over Challah

בָּרוּך אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם הָמוֹצִיא

לֶחֶם מִן הַאָרֶץ

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has brought forth bread from the earth.

What is Rosh Chodesh?

Rosh Chodesh, meaning “head of the month,” is a minor Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of each new month in the Hebrew calendar, coinciding with the sighting of the new moon. It’s a time of celebration and reflection, often associated with women and renewal. Rosh Chodesh is either a one-day or two-day holiday.

When is Rosh Chodesh? 

Rosh Chodesh happens monthly. The first Jewish month of the year is Nisan, marking the first time the Israelites became free from slavery in Egypt.

How is Rosh Chodesh celebrated?

Rituals to mark Rosh Chodesh include special liturgy, including a shortened Hallel (Psalms of Praise), special Torah readings, and Birkat HaChodesh (a blessing for the new moon). Rosh Chodesh circles, especially for women and girls, have emerged over the past decades.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • Watch this 4-minute introduction video to Rosh Chodesh from BimBam.

Listen:

Do:

  • Check out this moon phase craft from Jewish Moms + Crafters, or a tasty oreo moon phase treat from Nasa. On Rosh Chodesh, the moon phase is a new moon or thin waxing crescent. Be sure to check out the moon on Rosh Chodesh. What do you notice?

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah directly translates as the head of the year.

When is Rosh Hashanah? 

Rosh Hashanah takes place on the first two days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which translates to sundown on Friday, September 11 through sundown on Sunday, September 13, 2026.   

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

Rosh Hashanah begins the ten-day period known as the Yamim Noraim, the days of awe. During this period, we reflect on ways that we have missed the mark over the past year. The shofar, ram’s horn is sounded as a wakeup call and reminder to return to our best selves. It is customary to eat apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year. Some traditions include pomegranates, which are said to have 613 seeds — the same number as the 613 commandments found in the Torah. We eat round challah to symbolize the cyclic nature of the calendar. In some communities, it is customary to participate in a Rosh Hashanah seder, eating symbolic foods for growth and sweetness.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • Learn the basics and gain confidence about Jewish holidays and traditions through short and engaging videos from BimBam.
  • Don’t miss Rosh Hashanah: Be the Best Me, for families with young children.

Listen:

  • This Rosh Hashanah playlist from The Leffell School is good for all ages!
  • Looking to get in the spirit of the New Year for Elul, the month preceding Tishrei? Listen to this playlist leading up to Rosh Hashanah.
  • This is the New Year from the Maccabeats shares a great message for the New Year.
  • Dip Your Apple from the Fountainheads is a catchy tune to get in the spirit of the New Year.

Do:

  • Do you 10Q? Participate in an online journal site that provides a free service to answer life’s biggest questions. The best part, they store your answers for you to look back on year after year.

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the conclusion of the Days of Awe (Yom Noraim) which begin on Rosh Hashanah. According to tradition, God seals the Books of Life and Death for the coming year.

When is Yom Kippur? 

Yom Kippur takes place on the 10th of Tishrei, which corresponds to sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2025 and ends at sundown on Monday, September 21, 2026.

How is Yom Kippur celebrated?

The day is spent reflecting on our mistakes over the past year and thinking about how we will strive to do better in the New Year. It is traditional to attend synagogue, wear white, fast, and then “break the fast.” Yom Kippur begins with a special service called Kol Nidre. Another tradition is tzedekah (charity); on Yom Kippur, we are encouraged to help feed those less fortunate (be sure to check out the annual Project Isaiah Food Drive).

Resources

Read:

Watch:

Listen:

Do:

  • Do You 10Q? Reflect. React. Renew. Participate in this online journal site that provides a free service to answer life’s biggest questions. 
  • Looking for a synagogue for Yom Kippur? Click here for a resource list of synagogues in Southern Arizona.

What is Sukkot?

Sukkot, or the Festival of Booths, is the one Jewish holiday during which we are commanded to be joyous. During Sukkot we remember the wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt. We also celebrate the fall agricultural harvest. Did you know that Sukkot is one of three pilgrimage festivals, and in ancient days, was one of the times when people made their way to Jerusalem. Pesach and Shavuot are the other two pilgrimage festivals.

When is Sukkot? 

Sukkot takes place from the 15th through 21st of Tishrei, which corresponds to sunset on Friday, September 25, 2026 and ends at sundown on Friday, October 2, 2026.

How is Sukkot celebrated?

To celebrate Sukkot, we spend time in a sukkah or booth (check out the J’s set up in the Jill Rosensweig Memorial Sculpture Garden during the holiday) and shake the Lulav and Etrog (also known as the Four Species). Each night, we invite Ushpizin (guests) into our sukkah to invite us to reflect on particular ideas. Sukkot is also a time to spend outdoors in nature.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • BimBam features a short Lego animation film and a new way to think about Ecclesiastes.

Listen:

  • Have a listen to this playlist from The Leffell School for some Sukkot-inspired tunes!

Do:

  • Use this guide from the Union for Reform Judaism for the blessings for dwelling in the sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog.

What is Shemini Atzeret + Simchat Torah?

Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Occasion) and Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Law) immediately follow the week-long holiday of Sukkot. In Israel, and in some branches of Judaism — and here at the J — they are observed as one day.

When is Shemini Atzeret + Simchat Torah? 

Shemini Atzeret begins at sundown on Friday, October 2, 2026 and ends at sundown on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Simchat Torah begins at sundown on Saturday, October 3 and ends at sundown on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

How is Shemini Atzeret + Simchat Torah celebrated?

Shemini Atzeret is Hebrew for “Eight Day of Solemn Assembly” is an extra day added onto the end of Sukkot, as if we do not want to say farewell to the holiday. Prayers for rain are recited. It serves to remind us that the fertility of the land in the coming year is being determined, and we pray that the future is productive.

Simchat Torah is Hebrew for “Rejoicing in the Torah” and celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings. The holiday is a time of grand celebration for the entire community. In each synagogue, the Torah scrolls are taken out and carried around in a series of processions, often accompanied by dancing.  At the conclusion of reading a book of the Torah we say: “Chazak, chazak, venitchazek”— Be strong, be strong, and let us be of good courage to build a living Judaism through commitment and action.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

Listen:

What is Sigd?

The ancient Jewish community of Ethiopia, which lived far away from most other Jews, did not celebrate Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, or Purim, holidays that do not appear in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). The Jews of Ethiopia followed Torah-based rituals and developed their own traditions, including the holiday of Sigd (pronounced Seegd).

On Sigd the community would climb a tall mountain while holding colorful umbrellas. (In Ethiopia, umbrellas were commonly used to offer shade to esteemed leaders. On Sigd, they are a sign of honor toward the Torah scroll.) Everyone, including children, would hear readings from the Torah about forgiveness, unity, and returning to the land of Israel. After a half-day of fasting, the community would enjoy a big feast in celebration of its heritage and dreams. (from PJ Library)

When is Sigd? 

Sigd is celebrated on the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, exactly 50 days after Yom Kippur, which corresponds to sunset on Sunday, November 8 through sundown on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Resources

Read:

  • To learn more about Sigd, visit My Jewish Learning or PJ Library (especially for families with young children).
  • Hillel International shares information about Sigd including ways to celebrate and lift up Beta Israel culture and people.

Watch:

  • Check out this video about Sigd and Traditions of Ethiopian Jews via My Jewish Learning.

Listen:

  • Tune in to Beta Israel artist, Gili Yalo (who visited and performed in Tucson in 2024!).
  • Listen to the sounds of Ethiopian-Israeli singer, Aveva.

Do:

  • Learn a bit of Amharic, the language of Ethiopia. A good place to start is learning the phrase: Melkam Sigd bahal! which means “Happy Sigd!”

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Greeks who wanted the Jews to assimilate and not hold on to ancient Jewish traditions. When Judah Maccabee and his brothers (the heroes of the Hanukkah story who helped rededicate the Temple) went to kindle the flame on the menorah, seven branched candelabra that used to stand in the Temple, there was not even enough oil to last for a day. Tradition teaches that the oil lasted for eight days. Another version of the story is that Hanukkah was more of a Civil War between Jews who assimilated into Greek life and Jews who did not want to assimilate. Regardless of the story that resonates with us, Hanukkah is about freedom of identity, resilience, and bringing light into the world during times of darkness.

When is Hanukkah? 

In the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah takes place from Kislev 25 through Tevet 2, corresponding to Friday, December 4 at sundown with the lighting of the first candle through Saturday, December 12, 2026.

How is Hanukkah celebrated?

To celebrate the holiday, we light and bless the hanukkiyah, nine-branched candelabra – a candle for each day of the holiday, and the shamash, the helper candle. It is also customary to eat foods fried in oil and do acts of loving kindness as a way of adding light into our world.  

Resources

Read:

  • 18Doors has created a compilation of resources for celebrating Hanukkah, especially for interfaith couples and families.
  • This Hanukkah 101 resource from My Jewish Learning includes information and links to other resources.
  • PJ Library offers your family a one-stop hub for celebrating Hanukkah, including PJ Library books, recipes, crafts and more.  
  • The Blue Dove Foundation, a mental health resource, offers insights to celebrating Hanukkah through the lens of mental wellness.

Watch:

  • The Broken Candle tells the story of Nira, a broken Hanukkah candle, on her journey to become a Shamash, the helper candle that lights the other candles in the Hanukkiah.
  • The Chanukah Shaboom! Special tells the story of the Plony family trying to get the house ready in time for their Chanukah party.
  • Kveller put together this list of Hanukkah kids TV episodes and specials!

Listen:

Do:

What is Tu Bishvat?

Tu Bishvat is the birthday of the trees.

When is Tu Bishvat? 

Tu Bishvat occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month, Shevat, which corresponds to Sunday evening, February 1 through sundown on Monday, February 2, 2026. In Israel, Tu Bishvat occurs at the start of spring, as winter begins to fade, and almond trees begin to bloom. 

How is Tu Bishvat celebrated?

The Land of Israel is described as “A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey (Deuteronomy 8:8).” These seven species were the staple foods consumed by the Jewish people in the land of Israel during biblical times. Therefore, we aim to eat some of these foods, typically during a special experience called a seder, on the holiday. Another custom of Tu Bishvat is to plant trees in Israel. Since it was founded in 1901, the Jewish National Fund has planted over 240 million trees in Israel.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • Tune in to The Story of Honi in honor of all those trees out there. Straight from the Talmud (the many-volume encyclopedia of Jewish law and discussions about it), Bim Bam brings you…Honi the Circle Maker! 
  • Waste Not!: A Shaboom Episode teaches about bal tashchit, not being wasteful. Watch the episode to see how the Plony family learns not to be wasteful.

Listen:

  • This Tu Bishvat playlist from The Leffell School is a great way for people of all ages to get excited for Tu Bishvat!

Do:

What is Purim?

Purim is ultimately a story of Jewish pride and resilience. The holiday commemorates the story of Queen Esther, who won a beauty contest, but the prize was to marry the King of Persia. The king decided to follow the advice of his advisor, Haman, to kill all the Jews, of course, not realizing that that included his wife. Then Esther had to convince the King not to go through with his plan. Lucky for us, she convinced him. Phew. And instead Haman got hung in the gallows that he built for the Jews.

When is Purim? 

Purim occurs on the full moon on the Hebrew calendar date of Adar 14, which corresponds to the evening of Monday, March 2 through sundown on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. In walled cities, such as Jerusalem, an additional day of merriment is celebrated the day after Purim. This additional day of celebration is known as Shushan Purim.

How is Purim celebrated?

The celebrations often include Purim Schpiels (A funny skit that tells the Purim story. In the synagogue, the Megillah (Scroll) of Esther is read aloud evening and morning. Each time Haman’s name comes up, young and old alike make a clamorous noise with a noisemaker called a “grogger.” Other popular traditions include dressing up in costumes (especially like the characters in the Purim story), eating hamentashen (triangle shaped cookies reminiscent of Haman’s hat), and giving gifts of food and drinks to family, friends, and those in need (Mishloach Manot) Adapted from www.JewBelong.com.

The main customs of Purim are:

  1. Telling the story of Queen Esther
  2. Having a festive party, where costumes are encouraged
  3. Giving gifts of food and drinks to family and friends
  4. Sharing food with those in need

Resources

Read:

  • My Jewish Learning shares information about Purim and is geared toward adults.   
  • PJ Library offers your family a one-stop hub for celebrating Purim, including PJ Library books, recipes, crafts and more!
  • The Blue Dove Foundation, a mental health resource, offers insights to celebrating Purim through the lens of mental wellness.

Watch:

  • Learn the Purim Story in four minutes with this funny, sassy animated version of the Book of Esther – condensed and hipped up for the modern student or family. Celebrate Esther’s bravery, Mordechai’s wisdom and BOOOOO Haman. Featuring the Hebrew Mamita, Vanessa Hidary with music and effects by Michelle Citrin and Jonathan Bayer! Created by BimBam.

Listen:

Do:

  • Make Hamantashen using one of these top ten hamantaschen recipes shared by Jamie Geller! What flavor will you fill your hamantaschen with?

What is Passover?

Passover celebrates the Israelites becoming free from slavery in Egypt. As the Israelites were preparing to leave Egypt, there was no time for the dough to rise and become bread. Therefore, we eat matzah (unleavened bread made of just flour and water) throughout the holiday in place of leavened bread. We also avoid other leavened products where yeast has been added or where wheat, oat, barley, spelt, or rye come in contact with water..

When is Passover? 

In the Hebrew calendar, Passover takes place from 15 Nissan through 22 Nissan, which this year is sundown on Wednesday, April 1 through sundown on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The J will have special holiday hours in observance of the holiday.

How is Passover celebrated?

The holiday of Passover begins with a Seder meal, an experience that combines storytelling, rituals and, yes of course, a variety of foods. During the Seder, we retell the story of the exodus from Egypt and eat other foods such as parsley dipped in salt water to remind us both of springtime and of the tears we cried while in slavery. We also charoset, an apple, nut, spice, and juice mixture, reminding us of the mortar used to make bricks, and maror, bitter herb to remind us of the bitterness of slavery. Each of these foods and others that we do not eat help to tell part of the story of the Jewish people. Starting on the first night of the holiday (typically during the second seder), we begin counting the omer, a 49-day period between the holiday of Passover and Shavuot.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • BimBam features find brief, animated videos all about Passover.
  • Let Grover be your guide through different seder traditions in these short and sweet videos from Shalom Sesame.
  • Shaboom! What’s Special about Passover is especially for families with young children. The Sparks will help teach you why Passover is different from any other night.

Listen:

  • Get into festive spirit of Passover using this musical playlist created by the Leffell School.
  • Check out this playlist geared more toward adults created by the Union for Reform Judaism.

Do:

  • Check out these amazing Passover food recipes from Delish!
  • Looking for a Passover inspired art project? Check out this site with ideas from Tori Avey.

What is Yom HaShoah?

Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day or Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day, is a day of commemoration for the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and a day to honor the survivors.

When is Yom HaShoah? 

Yom HaShoah is observed on the 27th of Nissan, which corresponds to the evening of Monday, April 13 through sundown on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

How is Yom HaShoah celebrated?

The day includes memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, and reflections on the events of the Holocaust. Our local Southern Arizona community offers an annual commemoration event near the date of Yom HaShoah.

Resources

Read:

  • Virtually visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center for a variety of resources around Yom HaShoah.
  • Looking for a resource to talk with kids about Yom HaShoah? This resource from PJ Library provides tips for talking with children about the Holocaust, in addition to providing book recommendations for young readers. There are also resources about talking with kids about antisemitism.

Watch:

  • Commemorate Yom HaShoah by taking a moment of silence using this video marking the moment of silence in Israel.
  • Spend some time getting to know the stories of local Tucsonans in Survivors: Intimate Histories.

Listen:

  • Watch this powerful video with musical group, Koolulam, singing Ehud Manor’s Chai with 600 Shoah survivors and their families.
  • Pause for a few moments during your day to have a listen this playlist for people of all ages created by The Leffell School.

Do:

What is Yom HaZikaron?

Yom HaZikaron, in full, Yom HaZikaron LeHalelei Ma’arkhot Yisrael ul’Nifge’ei Pe’ulot HaEivah, is Israel’s official day of remembrance for fallen Israeli soldiers and terrorism victims, enacted into Israeli law in 1963.

When is Yom HaZikaron? 

Yom HaZikaron is observed on the 4th of Iyar, which corresponds to the evening of Monday, April 20 through sundown Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The day precedes Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.

How is Yom HaZikaron celebrated?

The day includes memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, and reflections on the events of Israel’s wars and terror attacks. Our local Southern Arizona, through the Weintraub Israel Center, a partnership between Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and the Tucson J, an annual Yom HaZikaron gathering.

Resources

Read:

  • The Israeli Defense Forces website shares information about Yom HaZikaron and how the day is observed in Israel.
  • In this Yom HaZikaron – Family Edition, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, created this family guide, including questions for reflection, to talk with older children. Grown-ups, we encourage you to review the resource and use the content with your family as you see appropriate.

Watch:

  • Unpacked features a collection of resources highlighting stories of personal accounts and national reflection.  
  • The “A Face. A Memory. A Day” project from Beit Avi Chai offers a chance to learn about the memories, personal moments and longing that the families and friends of the fallen have shared, and which in collaboration with them have been turned into short, animated films.

Listen:

Do:

  • Commemorate Yom HaZikaron by taking a moment of silence using this video marking the moment of silence in Israel.

What is Yom HaAtzmaut?

Yom HaAtzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day.

When is Yom HaAtzmaut? 

Yom HaAtzmaut is observed on the 5th of Iyar, which corresponds to the evening of Monday, April 21 through sundown Tuesday, April 22, 2026.

How is Yom HaAtzmaut celebrated?

Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) is celebrated both in Israel and around the world, in a variety of ways. In Israel, it’s a national holiday marked by a torch lighting ceremony, fireworks, barbecues, and public concerts. Outside of Israel, Jewish communities host parties, gatherings, and cultural events, often focusing on Israeli food, music, and dance. The day is also a time for reflecting on Israel’s history and resilience, as well as the ongoing connection between Israelis and Jews worldwide. Each year, the Weintraub Israel Center, a partnership between Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and the Tucson J hosts a communal gathering celebrating Israel’s resilience and independence.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • In this video created by BimBam, viewers get a taste of how Israeli Independence Day started and is celebrated around the world, from the street parties and ceremonies in Israel, to festivals all around the world.

Listen:

Do:

What is Lag B’Omer?

Lag BaOmer, which falls on the 33rd day of the Omer count, is a lesser-known minor Jewish holiday. Lag BaOmer celebrates the end of a plague that affected Rabbi Akiva’s students, and it is also a day to commemorate the yahrzeit (death anniversary) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. It marks a break in the traditional period of mourning between Passover and Shavuot, and is characterized by bonfires, outdoor activities, music, and communal gatherings.

When is Lag B’Omer? 

Lag B’Omer will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, which is the 33rd day of the Omer and the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.

How is Lag B’Omer celebrated?

The day is usually celebrated outdoors with bonfires, parades, playing with bows and arrows, and joyous community events. During the Omer period (except for Lag B’Omer, traditionally one does not cut one’s hair and weddings are not scheduled). Lag B’Omer has become a day for weddings.

Resources

Read:

  • Learn more about Lag BaOmer, what it means and why it is celebrated from My Jewish Learning.

Watch:

  • Tune in to this video from Bim Bam to learn about counting the Omer.
  • To celebrate the 49 days of counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuot, watch this brief video with 49 facts about counting the omer.

Listen:

What is Yom Yerushalayim?

Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, is the most recent addition to the Hebrew calendar. It commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem after the Six-Day War in 1967. Yom Yerushalayim is one of four holidays that was added to the Jewish calendar in the 20th century along with Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut, and Yom HaShoah.

When is Yom Yerushalayim? 

Yom Yerushalayim is celebrated on the 28th day of Iyar, which corresponds to sunset on Thursday, May 14 through sundown on Friday, May 15, 2026.

How is Yom Yerushalayim celebrated?

This day is marked in Israel by lively celebrations that include music, dancing, food, ceremonies, and festive parades.

Resources

Read:

  • My Jewish Learning includes information about Yom Yerushalayim here.
  • For Israel resources, especially for families with young children, visit PJ Library to learn more.

Watch:

Listen:

  • Enjoy this celebratory Israel music playlist from The Leffell School.

What is Shavuot?

Shavuot (weeks in Hebrew) is the feast of weeks and is celebrated for seven weeks after Passover. Although the holiday began as one of the three harvest festivals (in addition to Sukkot and Passover), Shavuot is often associated with the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

When is Shavuot? 

Shavuot takes place from the Sivan 5 through Sivan 7, which corresponds to sundown on Thursday, May 21 through Saturday, May 23, 2026.

How is Shavuot celebrated?

It is customary to stay up all night studying Jewish text (commonly the Book of Ruth) as the holiday begins, and “wait for the Torah” while eating lots and lots of dairy.  (if you’re from Ashkenazi descent) or meat (if you’re from Sephardi descent). The Tucson J hosts an annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot in partnership with synagogues and agencies – join us for a night of learning, good food and community!

Resources

Read:

  • Unpacked Media highlights everything we need to know about Shavuot and celebrating the holiday.
  • The Blue Dove Foundation has compiled a variety of readings and other resources connecting Shavuot to mental wellness.

Watch:

  • BimBam has created different videos about Shavuot and the Ten Commandments, which can be accessed here.

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What is Tisha B’Av?

Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, commemorates the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. Basically, a lot of bad things have happened to the Jews and Tisha B’Av is a day to help us remember. It commemorates the destruction of the two temples in Jerusalem, the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290, and again from France in 1306, from Spain in 1492, the Nazis approval for “The Final Solution,” in August of 1941, etc. We commemorate the day with fasting and sadness (Adapted from Jew Belong).

When is Tisha B’Av? 

Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, corresponds to sunset, Wednesday, July 22 through sundown Thursday, July 23, 2026.

How is Tisha B’Av celebrated?

Many Jewish people observe Tisha B’Av by fasting. During this holiday, we mourn, but we also remember the importance of finding joy and comfort in the hardest of times.

Resources

Read:

Watch:

  • Learn about the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza and why their story is so central to Tisha B’Av from BimBam.
  • What is Tisha B’Av? from BimBam teaches everything to know about the saddest day of the Jewish calendar in video form.

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What is Tu B’Av?

Tu B’Av is the Jewish Day of Love. Originally celebrated as a post-biblical day of joy, Tu B’Av served as a matchmaking festival for unmarried women during the time of the Second Temple. Traditionally, people eat grapes on this day, as it coincides with the grape harvest. In ancient times, single women would dress in white and dance in the vineyards under the full moon in hopes of finding a partner. Because of these romantic customs, Tu B’Av has come to be known as the Jewish Day of Love.

When is Tu B’Av? 

Tu B’Av takes place on the 15th day of Av each year, which corresponds to sunset on Tuesday, July 28 through sundown on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

How is Tu B’Av celebrated?

Tu B’Av is celebrated in a variety of ways, including: practice loving yourself with an act of self-care, throw a celebration for friends and family, watch or read a romantic comedy, plan a date night with someone special, wear white (just as unmarried women did in ancient times), and tell people you love them.

Resources

Read:

Listen:

  • Enjoy this playlist, Jewish Love Songs for Weddings and Special Moments.

For more Jewish Living experiences in the community

Community Calendar

Synagogues in Tucson

Congregation Anshei Israel (Conservative)
(520) 745-5550

Congregation Beit Simcha (Reform)
(520) 276-5675

Congregation Bet Shalom (Traditional Egalitarian)
(520) 577-1171

Beth Shalom Temple Center (Non-denominational)
(520) 648-6690

B’nai Midbar (Mulit-denominational)

 

Congregation Chofetz Chayim (Orthodox)
(520) 747-7780

The Secular Humanist Jewish Circle
(520) 296-3762

Tucson Torah Center (Orthodox)
520-655-TORA

Kol Ami Synagogue (Reform)
(520) 327-4501

Institute for Judaic Services and Study (Saddlebrook)
(520) 825-8175

Congregation Chaverim (Reform)

(520) 320-1015

Chabad of Oro Valley (Chabad)
(520) 477-8672

Chabad of Sierra Vista (Chabad)
(520) 820-6256

The Shul of Tucson (Orthodox)
(520) 326-8362

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Calendar

TUCSON JEWISH RESOURCES

Connect Jewish Tucson

University of Arizona Hillel

Jewish Family + Children’s Services

Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (Federation + Foundation)

PJ Library

Tucson Hebrew Academy

The Tucson J

The Tucson Jewish Museum + Holocaust Center

Weintraub Israel Center 

Young Jewish Tucson

JCC Association of North America

Tucson Jewish Free Loan

Northwest Tucson Jewish Community