Jewish Holidays during the Academic Year at Bard

Jewish Year 5785 (2024–25)

For specific timing on Jewish services and celebrations at Bard, please contact Rabbi Joshua Boettiger at jboettiger@bard.edu.

Major Jewish Holidays 5785

(While School Is in Session)

Rosh Hashanah*
Jewish New Year
Evening of October 2–4, 2024
Wednesday Night – Friday

Yom Kippur*
Day of Atonement
Major Fast Day – Full 25-hour fast
Evening of October 11–12, 2024
Friday Night – Saturday

Sukkot*
Festival of Tabernacles (Booths)
All meals are eaten in the Sukkah
Evening of October 16–23, 2024
Wednesday Night – Next Wednesday

Shemini Atzeret*
Eighty Day Feast of Assembly (end of Sukkot)
Evening of October 23–24, 2024
Wednesday Night – Thursday

Simchat Torah*
Festival of Rejoicing with the Torah
Evening of October 24–25, 2024
Thursday Night – Friday

Hanukkah
Festival of Lights (Rededication of the Temple)
Evening of December 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Wednesday Night – Next Thursday (eight nights)

Pesach*
Passover, Feast of Freedom and Unleavened Bread
Significant food restrictions, no leavened products, Seder meal on first night (and second for some)
Evening of April 12 –20, 2025
Saturday Night – Next Sunday

Holidays marked with * (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, first two days of Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Shemini Atzeret, and first two days and last day of Pesach) are days when traditionally work is forbidden and some students may not travel or write. Even though they are not listed here, Bard Jewish Life and Jewish Students Organization will be celebrating other holidays throughout the year including Purim, Tu B’Shvat, and more.