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


Prophet Zechariah: Not by might nor power, but by spirit

These words are a declaration of faith and a clear-cut explanation of Jewish survival.

Mourners accompany the body of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered during the Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, on December 14.

Ignoring antisemitism leads to violence against Jews: Lessons from Bondi Beach – opinion

The Bondi Beach mass shooting was not unforeseeable; it was the product of years of denial and tolerance for hate.

PEOPLE PAY respects at Bondi Pavilion after a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Dec. 15, 2025.

Seeing our brothers’ plight: The light Hanukkah demands we bring into the world - opinion

Hanukkah and Vayeshev together reveal that the festival’s light shines only when we open our eyes to our brothers’ struggles and choose loyalty and compassion.

Candles are lit on the eighth night, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, last Hanukkah. The main idea of the holiday is the spiritual illumination of the public sphere, says the writer.

Hanukkah lights up Israel with festivals, tours, shows and family fun

Israel is glowing this Hanukkah with shows, tours, theater, films, and family-friendly events across the country.

‘King Solomon's Legend’ at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People.

Hanukkah fun in Jerusalem: Activities for everyone for the Jewish festival of lights

A sneak peek at some of the fabulous family activities happening in Jerusalem this Hanukkah.

Creative Crafts Cafe’s family-friendly seasonal workshops, Gush Etzion.

On board for Hanukkah: Fresh, delicious twist for the holiday

Latke focaccia and plenty of deli-style sides, a Hanukkah table that is easy, homey, and different.

Henny Shor.

Hanukkah miracle: Israel discovers evidence of Judah Maccabee’s battlefield near Jerusalem

The site is widely identified with the ancient village of Bet Zecharia, where the Seleucid army and the forces of Judah Maccabee clashed in what is known as the fifth Maccabean battle.

A bronze coin from the Asia Minor city of Side found at Horbat Bet Zecharia south of Jerusalem, where the Maccabees fought the Greek Seleucid army.

US 'Dancing with the Stars' airs first Hanukkah-themed dance in holiday special

Viewers saw Alan Bersten and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, both Jewish, dancing to “Miracle” by Matisyahu.

Dancing with the Stars Hanukkah Special, December 7, 2025

From golems to Horton to banana menorahs: This year’s Hanukkah kids’ books light up the imagination

Three titles garnered the recommendation of the Association of Jewish Libraries: “Construction Site, Hanukkah Lights,” “Banana Menorah,” and “Lost and Found Hanukkah.”

 An illustrative photo of religious books.

Camping season breaks records – and it's just the first sign of the next trend

High vacation costs, the need to escape urban stress, and upgraded sites created a season where more Israelis chose to holiday in tents under the stars.

Camping in nature.