Israel

Israel : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Israel

Israel's public holidays are deeply rooted in the country's Jewish heritage, religious traditions, and historical events. These holidays reflect the cultural and spiritual life of the Israeli people, often marked by family gatherings, prayer, and national celebrations. Many holidays follow the Hebrew calendar, causing their dates to vary each year on the Gregorian calendar.

• Pesach (Passover)
  Originates from the biblical story of the Exodus from Egypt, symbolizing freedom and redemption. Celebrated for seven or eight days (depending on tradition), with the first night marked by a special meal called the Seder. Observances include avoiding leavened bread and retelling the Exodus story.
  Date: Begins on the 15th of Nisan (Hebrew calendar), usually in March or April.

• Seventh day of Pesach
  The final day of Passover, especially significant in Israel as the last day of the holiday. It commemorates the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites and the destruction of the Egyptian army. Traditions include special prayers and synagogue services.
  Date: The 21st of Nisan (or 22nd outside Israel).

• Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut)
  Celebrates the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948. Marked by ceremonies, fireworks, barbecues, and public celebrations. It follows Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and is a national day off work.
  Date: 5th of Iyar (Hebrew calendar), with observance sometimes adjusted to avoid the Sabbath.

• Shavuot
  Commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Traditionally a two-day holiday marked by studying religious texts, evening prayers, and eating dairy foods.
  Date: 6th and 7th of Sivan, usually in May or June.

• Rosh Hashanah
  The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and repentance. Celebrated with synagogue services, the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn), and festive meals with symbolic foods.
  Date: 1st and 2nd of Tishrei, typically in September or October.

• Yom Kippur
  The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, devoted to fasting, prayer, and repentance. Work is prohibited, and many spend the day in synagogue.
  Date: 10th of Tishrei, ten days after Rosh Hashanah.

• Sukkot
  Commemorates the Israelites' wandering in the desert and reliance on divine protection. Celebrated by dwelling in temporary huts (sukkahs), waving the four species (etrog, lulav, hadas, aravah), and festive meals.
  Date: Begins on the 15th of Tishrei, lasting seven days in Israel.

• Simchat Torah / Shemini Atzeret
  Marks the conclusion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. It is celebrated with joyous dancing and singing in synagogues. Shemini Atzeret is a separate holiday immediately following Sukkot with additional prayers for rain.
  Date: 22nd and 23rd of Tishrei.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Israel - Public Holidays