March 2–3, 2026. Purim commemorates events described in the Book of Esther and is known for its joyful, carnival-like atmosphere. People wear costumes, attend parades, exchange gifts, and join public readings of the Megillah. It is a religious observance, not a full public holiday, so most businesses remain open while schools are usually closed.

April 1–8, 2026. Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The first day (Apr 1) and last day (Apr 8) are full public holidays with widespread closures and no public transport. The intermediate days (Apr 2–7) are religious observances, during which many offices operate on reduced schedules. Food restrictions are widely observed, and bread products are largely unavailable.

April 14, 2026. Yom HaShoah honors the victims of the Holocaust. At 10:00 AM, a nationwide siren sounds and daily life pauses in silence. It is a national observance, not a public holiday, so businesses generally remain open, though the day is marked by ceremonies and memorial events.

April 21, 2026. Yom HaZikaron commemorates fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terrorism. Sirens sound in the evening and again the following morning. Entertainment venues close, and the public atmosphere is solemn. It is a national observance, transitioning directly into Independence Day at sunset.

April 21–22, 2026. Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) celebrates the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 and begins immediately after Memorial Day ends at sunset. Celebrations include fireworks, concerts, and family gatherings. While officially a national observance, it functions as a de facto public holiday with many closures and limited transport.

May 15, 2026. Jerusalem Day marks the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. It is observed with parades, ceremonies, and prayers, particularly in Jerusalem. It is a religious and national observance, and while some institutions close, many businesses operate as usual outside the capital.

May 21–22, 2026. Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Traditions include all-night study sessions and dairy-based meals. It is a public holiday, with business closures and suspended public transport, similar to Shabbat.

July 22–23, 2026. Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is observed with fasting and prayer. It is a religious observance, not a public holiday, though some businesses close or reduce hours.

September 11–13, 2026. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and a period of reflection. It is a multi-day public holiday, during which businesses close, public transport stops, and families gather for festive meals featuring symbolic foods.

September 20–21, 2026. Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, dedicated to fasting and reflection. Israel effectively shuts down: all businesses close, public transport stops completely, and streets are famously empty. It is a full public holiday.

September 25–October 2, 2026. Sukkot commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the desert. Temporary outdoor huts (sukkahs) are built for meals and gatherings. The first day (Sep 25) is a public holiday; the remaining days are religious observances with partial business operations. Public transport is limited on the main holiday day.

October 3–4, 2026. Simchat Torah celebrates the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. It is marked by joyful dancing and singing in public spaces and synagogues. It is a public holiday, with widespread closures and limited transportation.