What Are the Jewish High Holidays? Dates, Customs, and How to Prepare

The Jewish High Holidays are the ten-day period that begins with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and ends with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). They fall in early autumn — usually September or early October — and are the most widely observed days on the Jewish calendar. If you want to observe them meaningfully, the practical essentials are: know the dates, arrange time off or synagogue attendance, and gather a few core items (a machzor, candles, a shofar if you have one, and honey for the new year). This guide covers what each day means, how the customs work, and what to prepare.

The two main holidays, and the days between

Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah opens the season. It is observed for two days (one day in Reform practice), beginning on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It marks the start of the year and the beginning of a period of reflection and repentance.

Key observances:

• Shofar blowing — a ram's horn is sounded in synagogue, most prominently on the second day (unless it falls on Shabbat).
• Festive meals — meals feature symbolic foods, especially apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year, and round challah.
• Candle lighting — candles are lit in the evening to mark the start of each day, as on Shabbat and festivals.
• Extended prayer — services are longer than usual, and many people attend synagogue.

The Ten Days of Repentance

The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called the Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah). This is the heart of the season: a stretch for teshuvah — often translated as repentance or return — meaning reviewing one's actions, apologizing to people you've wronged, and resolving to do better. It is not a single ritual but a period of intention.

Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur closes the period. It begins at sunset on the ninth of Tishrei and ends the following night. It is the most solemn day of the Jewish year.

Key observances:

• Fasting — a full fast from sunset to nightfall the next day (about 25 hours). People who are ill, pregnant, or otherwise at risk are generally exempt; consult a rabbi for individual cases.
• Prayer — the day is spent largely in synagogue, with distinctive services including Kol Nidre on the eve and Neilah at the close.
• Abstinence from other comforts — traditionally also no leather shoes, washing, or marital relations.
• No work — like Shabbat, work is prohibited.

When the High Holidays fall

The dates are fixed on the Hebrew calendar but shift against the secular calendar each year because the Hebrew calendar is lunar-based with leap months added to keep it aligned with the seasons.

Because the dates move, the practical step is to check a current Jewish calendar for the year you're planning. Note that Jewish days begin at sunset the evening before, so "Rosh Hashanah begins" means the evening before the date listed on a secular calendar.

What you actually need to prepare

Preparation falls into three buckets: time, community, and items.

Time and arrangements

• Request time off work or school for the days you'll observe.
• Find a synagogue and check service times, especially if you plan to attend for the first time — many offer beginner-friendly or explanatory services.
• Arrange meals in advance, since cooking is not permitted on the holidays themselves.

Core items for home and synagogue

• Machzor — the special prayer book for the High Holidays, distinct from the everyday siddur. You'll want the right edition for your community's custom.
• Candles and candlesticks — for lighting before each holiday and Shabbat.
• Shofar — if you own one or want to practice hearing/blowing it; a ram's horn is traditional.
• Honey and apples — for the Rosh Hashanah table, along with round challah.
• Kiddush cup — for the festive meal blessings.

For Yom Kippur specifically

• Plan the pre-fast meal and the break-fast meal.
• Expect to be in synagogue much of the day; comfortable, non-leather shoes are customary.

How the High Holidays differ from Sukkot and Simchat Torah

The High Holidays are often confused with the festivals that immediately follow them. They are distinct:

• High Holidays — Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; the season of judgment, repentance, and atonement. Solemn in tone (Rosh Hashanah is festive but reflective).
• Sukkot — a week-long harvest festival beginning five days after Yom Kippur, observed by dwelling in a sukkah (booth) and waving the lulav and etrog. Joyful in character.
• Simchat Torah — immediately after Sukkot, celebrating the completion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle, marked by dancing with the Torah scrolls.

In short: the High Holidays are the introspective core; Sukkot and Simchat Torah are the celebratory conclusion that follows.

A simple preparation checklist

1. Look up this year's Hebrew-to-secular dates for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
2. Decide where you'll observe — home, synagogue, or both — and confirm times.
3. Get a machzor and any items you're missing (candles, honey, kiddush cup, shofar).
4. Plan meals around the no-cooking rules.
5. Set aside the Ten Days for reflection and, where relevant, making amends.
6. For Yom Kippur, plan the fast and break-fast, and check any health concerns with a rabbi.

If you're new to the season, start with the two main days and the shofar-and-honey basics; the finer customs can be added as you go.