Major & Minor Holidays

Dates shown are for the Diaspora. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are on 22 Tishrei; Pesach and Shavuot are one day shorter.

Modern Israeli Holidays

Rosh Chodesh (New Month)

Rosh Chodesh (ראש חודש) marks the beginning of each new month in the Hebrew calendar, determined by the appearance of the new moon. It is considered a minor holiday. Extra prayers are added in the synagogue service, including Hallel and Ya’aleh V’Yavo, and there is a special Torah reading. Many women observe Rosh Chodesh as a semi-festive day by refraining from certain kinds of work. Tachanun is omitted from daily prayers, and some communities hold festive meals to celebrate the new month.