Traditions, Transitions and Teachings of the Fall Jewish Holidays

August 6, 2026 | Shabbat and Holidays

Originally Published September 24, 2024 by Jodi Teitelman, former Network staff member
Updated August 6, 2026

The Jewish High Holidays are one of the most meaningful seasons of the Jewish year. From welcoming the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah to dancing with the Torah on Simchat Torah, each holiday offers unique traditions, rituals and opportunities for reflection. Whether these holidays are familiar or you’re exploring them for the first time, The Network is here to help you celebrate every step of the season. Read on to learn about the Jewish High Holidays and the customs that make this time of year so meaningful.

Looking for ways to celebrate the Jewish High Holidays in Baltimore? Explore our High Holiday Round Up for seasonal programs and experiences happening across Greater Baltimore, or browse our Events Calendar to discover upcoming events hosted by The Network.

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13

Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year.” Although it falls during the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, it marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Many people celebrate by attending synagogue services, listening to the blasts of the shofar and sharing symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey for a sweet year ahead. Some families also eat a fish head to represent the hope of being “the head and not the tail” in the coming year.

Yamim Noraim: Days of Awe

Friday, September 11 – Monday, September 21

The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe. This sacred time encourages reflection, growth and renewal. During the High Holidays, many communities recite the prayer Unetanah Tokef, which highlights three meaningful practices: repentance, prayer and charity.

Repentance: Many people use this time to apologize to those they have hurt during the past year. It can also be an opportunity to show yourself compassion. Consider forgiving yourself for the ways you may have neglected your own needs and set an intention to care for yourself in the year ahead.

Prayer: The Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called Shabbat Shuva. Many people attend services and spend time reflecting on the year that has passed. In some communities, rabbis and other spiritual leaders deliver a special sermon focused on repentance and personal growth.

Charity: Tzedakah, often translated as acts of righteousness or charitable giving, is a central Jewish value. During these ten days, reflect on the good you’ve done over the past year and look for new ways to make a positive difference in the year ahead.

Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement

Sunday, September 20 – Monday, September 21

Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year. Many Jews fast and refrain from activities such as eating, drinking, wearing leather, wearing jewelry and bathing. These practices help shift our focus toward reflection, forgiveness and becoming our best selves. At sunset, the final blast of the shofar marks the end of the holiday. Families, friends and community members often gather afterward to share a break fast meal together.

An important reminder: Your health and wellbeing always come first. Jewish tradition teaches that if fasting would put your physical, mental or emotional health at risk, you should not fast.

Preparing for Sukkot

Monday, September 21 – Friday, September 25

The five days after Yom Kippur mark a joyful transition. Many families spend this time building and decorating their sukkah, gathering a lulav and etrog and inviting loved ones to celebrate together.

Sukkot

Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27

Sukkot commemorates the temporary shelters the Israelites lived in while wandering the desert for 40 years. It is also one of Judaism’s three pilgrimage festivals and celebrates the fall harvest. Many families build a sukkah where they gather to eat, spend time together and, for some, even sleep during the holiday. People often decorate their sukkah with autumn harvest items and photos of family and friends. During services, worshippers wave the lulav, made of palm, myrtle and willow branches, together with the etrog, a citrus fruit, in every direction as an expression of gratitude for the natural world.

Shemini Atzeret: Eighth Day of Assembly

Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 3

Although it follows Sukkot immediately, Shemini Atzeret is its own holiday. After a week of celebrating in the sukkah, this day invites us to pause, gather together and appreciate the connections we’ve built with one another and with Jewish tradition. Many communities begin adding prayers for rain in the Land of Israel, marking the transition into a new season and expressing hope for the year ahead.

Simchat Torah: Rejoicing in Torah

Saturday, October 3 – Sunday, October 4

Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one. Communities celebrate with lively services, singing, dancing and joyful Torah processions. Many synagogues unroll an entire Torah scroll so children and adults alike can find their favorite stories or their b’mitzvah portions. The holiday reminds us that learning never truly ends. As soon as we finish the Torah, we begin reading it again.