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


Tu B’Av’s deeper meaning: Rebuilding Jewish connection beyond romance - opinion

Often called the “Jewish Valentine’s Day,” Tu B’Av offers a deeper message: breaking down barriers, strengthening relationships, and rebuilding Jewish belonging.

 A flower shop owner is seen arranging roses for a customer on Tu B'Av, the Jewish holiday of love, in Jerusalem, on August 15, 2019.

Today in photos: Thousands gather at Western Wall for Tisha B'Av lamentations

Tisha B'Av is first and foremost a fast day, during which Jews abstain from all food and water for approximately 25 hours, from sunset until nightfall the next day.

Jews pray at the Western Wall on Tisha B'Av, July 22, 2026.

Brilliant Hebrew calendar: More than just dates - opinion

Thanks to the Hebrew calendar, Jewish history is never abandoned or forgotten. Jews celebrate or commemorate – from destruction to rebirth.

Worshipers are seen at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Tisha B'Av.

Tisha B'Av 2026: Fast times for Israel and US

See when the fast begins and ends in your area.

An ultra-Orthodox jew prays at the Westen Wall July 17, 2002 on Tisha B'Av

Tisha B'Av 2026: What the Jewish summer fast day is all about - explainer

On Tisha B'av, the Jewish people mourn the two destructions of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem. Here is everything you need to know.

‘THE DESTRUCTION of the Temple of Jerusalem,’ Francesco Hayez, 1867

Tisha B’Av: Can Jews mourn destruction while witnessing national rebirth?

Rabbi Akiva’s smile offers a model for Tisha B’Av, allowing Jews to grieve past destruction while recognizing the beginnings of restoration.

MEASURE OF HOPE: Celebrating freed hostages on Simchat Torah in Moshav Lavon, Oct. 14, 2025.

The breached walls we must rebuild this Seventeenth of Tamuz - opinion

This fast day is a reminder that destruction begins inside when unity fails and division takes root.

An ultra-Orthodox jew prays at the Westen Wall July 17, 2002 on Tisha B'Av

Meet the Israeli author making Jewish texts accessible for children

The first book I received of Dina’s series of three was her Scroll of Ruth, most appropriate since Shavuot was only a week away.

Dina Gavriely: ‘My task was clear – create vibrant and joyful texts.’

The beauty and frustration of Shavuot at the Western Wall

On Shavuot morning, the prayer groups at the Western Wall are composed of Jews of different stripes and appearances, creating a broader cross-section of Jewish life than is there at other times.

Jews at the Western Wall, 1870s.

Jewish youths detained after forcing entry to Temple Mount for Shavuot sacrificial ritual

Police further stated that soldiers pursued them, caught them, and quickly removed them from the Temple Mount before detaining them for questioning.

Jews visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City during Jerusalem Day celebrations, May 14, 2026.