Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut

 

During this month of April 2026, three very important days are commemorated by Jewish people both in Israel and throughout the world. The three days are ‘Yom Ha'shoah’, ‘Yom Hazikaron’, and ‘Yom Ha’atzmaut’.

Each of these days is very significant for Jewish people throughout the world. One specific day, however, has worldwide significance – that day is ‘Yom Ha’atzmaut’.

Purim

On the 2nd March 2026, Jewish people all over the world will be partaking in the ‘Fast of Esther’ that precedes the celebration of the holiday of ‘Purim’.

‘Purim’, which this year begins on the evening of the 2nd March, corresponding to the 13th day of the Hebrew month of ‘Adar’, could be called the happiest holiday of the year for Jewish people. It is a time for giving to the poor, exchanging gifts with family and friends, dressing up in fancy dress, and generally a time for rejoicing.

Hanukkah

During the four hundred ‘silent years’ between the Old and New Testaments, events occurred which could threaten to destroy the Jewish people and Israel. However, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was not about to let His people and the Messianic line be destroyed…

On the evening of the 14th December 2025, corresponding to the 24th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, Jews all over the world will begin celebrating the Festival of Lights (also known as the Feast of Dedication), known in Hebrew as ‘Hanukkah’ which is the Hebrew term for dedication. ‘Hanukkah’ is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the Hellenist Syrians in 165 BCE.

Sukkoth

“...On the fifteenth day of the seventh month is the Festival of Sukkoth, seven days for the Lord.” - Leviticus 23:34

At sunset on the 6th October 2025, corresponding to the 14th day of the Hebrew month of ‘Tishrei’, Jews all over the world will begin celebrating the festival of ‘Sukkoth’.
‘Sukkoth’ begins the fifth day after ‘Yom Kippur’, and it is quite a drastic transition, from one of the most solemn holidays in the Jewish year to one of the most joyous. ‘Sukkoth’ is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in Jewish prayer and literature as ‘Z'man Simchateinu’, the ‘Season of our Rejoicing’.

Yom Kippur

“...In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and you shall not do any work ... For on that day he shall provide atonement for you to cleanse you from all your sins before the Lord.”- Leviticus 16:29-30

Just before sunset on the 1st October 2025, corresponding to the 9th day of the Hebrew month of ‘Tishrei’, Jewish people the world over will begin a 26 hour fast to usher in ‘Yom Kippur’.
‘Yom Kippur’ is the most important holiday of the Jewish year.