High Holy Days

WATCH: Thousands gather at Western Wall for selichot prayers as 'Post' observes Yom Kippur

The Jerusalem Post will temporarily pause news coverage to observe Yom Kippur. We wish all our readers a gmar hatima tova and an easy and meaningful fast.

Thousands of Jews gather for selichot prayer services at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, ahead of Yom Kippur, September 15, 2026
On the eve of Yom Kippur (Prayer). Artist Jakub Weinles (1870–1935)

Far from the Holy of Holies: How did ancient Jews observe Yom Kippur 2,000 years ago?

The opening of Keith Siegel pancake house, a former Israeli hostage, at Sarona market in Tel Aviv, March 26, 2025.

Taking decisions in both hands: Ex-hostages Keith, Aviva Siegel find new meaning in Yom Kippur

People form a circle and walk on the empty streets in Tel Aviv, on the eve of Yom Kippur, September 24, 2023

An American perspective: Why Yom Kippur still brings Jews together, even without belief - opinion


Israelis flock to Ukraine's Uman despite concerns of Russian strikes

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah Israelis take trains from Poland to reach Uman in Ukraine.

 People line up to reach Ukraine on a train, some of them Israelis and Jews from around the world seeking to get to Uman ahead of Rosh Hashanah.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir clash on Palestinian prisoners' rights

Netanyahu stressed that any decision on prisoners would be made "exclusively" by the prime minister and the cabinet.

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem. March 6, 2023.

Happy New Year: Time to drink

A list of alcoholic beverages for Rosh Hashanah and for after Yom Kippur.

 Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned

Holding out for a hero: The story of prophets and God's plan - opinion

They are the paradigms of what our leaders can and should be, and they define their mission to inspire us to greatness and raise each of us to a level one step higher to the Almighty.

 JONAH HAD to descend to the deepest part of the ocean to reclaim his faith.

50,000 Jewish worshipers gather for Slihot prayers at Western Wall

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation called on worshippers to come early in order to spread out the crowds for safety and welfare purposes.

 Central Slihot services at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on September 7, 2023

Rising prices and financial struggles impact High Holy Days season

IFCJ launches aid operation to support needy families amid the High Holy Days.

 An illustrative image of a financial graph and shopping bag, symbolizing rising prices and wages.

Bowl Hashanah: A musical Rosh Hashanah experience in New York

Bowl Hashanah: Think of it as a musical Rosh Hashanah gathering with musical friends you would even pay to see on a night out.

 YULA BEERI will be performing at this year’s Bowl Hashanah.

Western Wall stones undergo inspection before Rosh Hashanah

This check is conducted annually around Rosh Hashanah and Passover, to make sure that Western Wall prayer does not pose a safety risk to anyone.

 Engineers conduct their bi-annual inspection of the Western Wall in preparation for the High Holy Days on August 29, 2023.