High Holidays 2026/5787

The Jewish High Holy Day season will be here before we know it!

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins Friday night, September 11 at sundown and continues through Sunday, September 13. People either celebrate one or two days of Rosh Hashanah.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins Sunday, September 20 at sundown and continues through Monday, September 21 at nightfall.

Sukkot, the joyful fall harvest holiday, begins Friday, September 25 at sunset and continues through Friday, October 2 at Sundown. The holiday culminate in Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, whose dates vary based on custom but conclude by Sunday, October 4 at sundown.

There are a variety of offerings for students to celebrate the holidays, including community meals, tashlich, and a Sukkah on campus. Students are also encouraged to attend services in the wider Richmond Jewish community. Our full High Holiday programming schedule and sign ups are live! Sign up here!

If you have any concerns about taking time off from classes, see the Class Attendance and University Holidays policy for details. HebCal has a detailed breakown of the Jewish calendar, plus more information on each of the holidays. Please contact Rabbi Josh Jeffreys, Associate University Chaplain and Campus Rabbi, if you have any questions.