Sacred Days on the Calendar: Understanding the Jewish High Holy Days Part 1

Some dates on the calendar may look ordinary to one person but carry deep spiritual meaning for another.

Over the next several weeks, Jewish communities worldwide will observe some of the year's most sacred days. These holy days invite reflection, repentance, gratitude, remembrance, celebration, and renewal. For those of us who work in healthcare, ministry, education, chaplaincy, or other caring professions, being aware of these observances is a simple way to honor the faith traditions of the people around us.

The season begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, observed this year from the evening of September 11 through September 13. Rosh Hashanah is much more than the turning of a calendar. It begins a season of spiritual reflection. It is a time to consider the year that has passed, examine one's life, repair relationships, and look toward the future with hope.

The sounding of the shofar, traditionally made from a ram's horn, is one of the best-known symbols of the holiday. Its sound is a spiritual wake-up call, an invitation to pay attention to how we are living.

Several days later comes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, beginning at sunset on September 20 and continuing through September 21. Yom Kippur is considered one of the holiest days in Judaism. For many observant Jews, it includes fasting, extended prayer, confession, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God and others.

That practice feels deeply human. Most of us carry things we wish we had handled differently: words we would take back, relationships we wish we had repaired, and choices we would change if given another opportunity. Yom Kippur creates sacred space to acknowledge those things and to seek reconciliation and a new beginning.

Soon afterward comes Sukkot, beginning at sunset on September 25. Sukkot remembers the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision during a time of uncertainty. Traditionally, families build temporary shelters called sukkot and may eat meals or spend time inside them.

A beautiful lesson lies in a temporary shelter. So much of life can feel temporary and uncertain. Careers change. Health changes. Relationships change. Circumstances we once thought were permanent suddenly shift. Sukkot reminds us that gratitude does not have to wait until life feels completely secure.

The season concludes with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah in early October. Simchat Torah is especially joyful, celebrating the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle and immediately beginning it again. Singing, dancing, and celebration surround the sacred text.

Even that contains a meaningful image: we finish, and then we begin again.

For those caring for Jewish patients, families, coworkers, students, or neighbors, awareness of these holidays can make a real difference. Some individuals may fast. Others may avoid certain kinds of work, travel, technology, or routine activities. Dietary practices, prayer times, family gatherings, and worship may take on particular importance.

At the same time, we should never assume that every Jewish person observes these holidays in the same way. Jewish religious practice is wonderfully diverse. The better approach is curiosity accompanied by respect.

A simple question can communicate a great deal of care:

“What is important for you during this holiday?”

“Are there any traditions or practices you would like us to be aware of?”

“How can we support you?”

Religious literacy is not about becoming an expert in someone else's faith. It is about noticing what matters to another person.

So as these sacred days appear on the calendar, may we allow them to do more than remind us of dates. May they remind us to listen more carefully, ask better questions, honor our neighbors' traditions, and recognize that what looks like an ordinary day to us may be holy ground for someone else.