Holidays

Labor Day recognizes the contributions of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It marks the unofficial end of summer.

The festive holiday of Sukkot is named for the booths or huts (sukkot in Hebrew) in which, according to Jewish tradition, the Israelites dwelt during their forty years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt.  Sukkot starts the evening of September 29...

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated together on one day by Reform Jews and over two days by Conservative Jews. We celebrate the completion of the annual cycle of reading the Torah. The holiday begins the evening of October 6. Read more about Shemini...

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrating the blessings of the past year. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and express gratitude for what we have.

Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for eight days.  We light hanukkiyot (Hanukkah menorahs), spin dreidels, eat latkes, and often celebrate with family and friends.  Explore more about Hanukkah here.  Enjoy JGN's Hanukkah Discovery Kit. Art by Deborah Zemke

Purim is a joyous one-day holiday (begins the evening of Saturday, March 23, 2024) that celebrates Jewish survival. Customs include reading Megillat Esther, dressing up in costume, giving gifts of food, and giving to those in need.

Passover, the Festival of Freedom, begins tonight with the first seder.  Grandparents and families can enjoy a fun-filled and easy-to-follow Passover Discovery Kit available to download from the Jewish Grandparents Network website. This interactive guide is designed especially for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 3–8) to...