Jewish holidays

WATCH: Thousands gather at Western Wall for selichot prayers as 'Post' observes Yom Kippur

The Jerusalem Post will temporarily pause news coverage to observe Yom Kippur. We wish all our readers a gmar hatima tova and an easy and meaningful fast.

Thousands of Jews gather for selichot prayer services at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, ahead of Yom Kippur, September 15, 2026
On the eve of Yom Kippur (Prayer). Artist Jakub Weinles (1870–1935)

Far from the Holy of Holies: How did ancient Jews observe Yom Kippur 2,000 years ago?

An Israeli soldier holds a smartphone near Israel's border with Gaza in southern Israel, November 23, 2023

Yom Kippur 2026: Does a text message or social media post count as a real apology?

IN THE early morning before Yom Kippur, 2024, prayers for forgiveness are recited at the Western Wall and elsewhere in the Jewish world.

The other confession: Yom Kippur as the night journey of the soul


'Go, eat with joy': The surprising truth about Yom Kippur

How is it that precisely on the eve of the day when a person stands before his Creator, and his judgment for the coming year is sealed, we are commanded to eat and rejoice?

One might think this should be the moment of our greatest anxiety.

Rosh Hashanah 2026: Humor, the shofar, and the ability to accept the absurdity of life

When confronted by our own absurdity and inadequacy, Judaism turns the tables and asks us to eat festive meals, sing optimistic songs, and make Rosh Hashanah into a holy celebration.

THE HIGH HOLIDAY repentance cycle, year after year, can be brutal.

Jerusalem highlights: September 11-17

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

Avi Kaiser and Sergio Antonino (see Tuesday).

Your Investments: Turning Rosh Hashanah reflection into financial action

The Jewish New Year reminds us to take stock of our actions. That same spirit of accountability can guide an annual review of our savings, spending, and investments.

A man blows a shofar outside the Jerusalem Central Bus Station.

Going where the need is greatest

Yael Eckstein reflects on a year of life-saving assistance and looks ahead to expanding the IFCJ’s work in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

Yael Eckstein with food packages delivered to the Christian community in Syria.

There is no way to vacation from being Israeli, there are responsible ways to travel - editorial

Israelis are entitled to rest, travel, and enjoy the world without apologizing for their existence. And for that, they must go abroad with confidence, but also with awareness.

An El Al Boeing 737 takes off from Ben-Gurion Airport, March 5, 2026.

Two three-day cultural festivals to mark Sukkot with poetry, dance, and eco-tours

At Confederation House, the poetry festival operates under the theme “Poets Are Called Alive in Death.” The event utilizes the traditional sukkah as a metaphor for an inner artistic sanctuary.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and his students hold the Four Species as they attend a morning prayer during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, in Katzrin, northern Israel, on October 12, 2025.

The second year: Anticipating the Jewish High Holidays after experiencing grief and loss

Some days are easier than others, and thankfully, while occurring infrequently, there are times when I feel angry, sad, mad, frustrated, and a host of other less positive feelings.

EMOTIONAL SCARS remain. Illustration of a woman with a puzzle-piece shaped hole in her chest, with the corresponsing puzzle piece seen floating beside her.

A world of Jewish flavors for Rosh Hashanah

From global traditions to digital kitchens: How worldly flavors and creative recipes are redefining the modern Rosh Hashanah table.

Simply Saucy Brisket from the Dining In Cookbook of Kosher.com

‘Al Pri Gafna’: Tu B’Av wine wonders in the Land of Israel - opinion

Where do grapes come in? Grapes are for making wine, and wine has a biblical holiday too: Tu B’Av, which occurs at the beginning of the grape harvest in July-August.

An illustrative image of people drinking wine.