Jewish Holidays 2023

August 31, 2023

Details and Dates

The Fall semester coincides with the Jewish high holidays, which are centered around the Jewish New Year. There are a number of holidays during this season, and Jewish students observe these days in a range of ways that reflects the diversity of the community. For some Jewish students, this a deeply spiritual month that is marked by special observances such as fasting, elongated prayer services, and ritual meals. For others, this is a period for family to reconnect over their faith-based traditions. Lastly, some Jewish students opt not to participate in these holidays. Given the variety of Jewish practice, it is our goal to respect the full range of expressions of religious and spiritual life.  

The key dates during the Jewish Fall 2023 holiday season are as follows:

  • Rosh Hashanah – Friday evening, September 15 through Sunday night, September 17
  • Yom Kippur – Sunday evening, September 24 through Monday night, September 25
  • Sukkot (1st Days) – Friday evening, September 29th through Sunday night, October 1st 
  • Sukkot (2nd Days) – Friday evening, October 6th through Sunday night, October 8th

For Administration and Faculty

  • Many observant Jewish students are prohibited from attending class or doing coursework during these specific holidays; some religious practices also preclude using electronics – phones, transportation and computers – during these times. 
  • The Office of Religious Life ([email protected]) is available to support faculty and administrators with any questions or issues that may arise. Our Campus Rabbi, Yonah Hain ([email protected]), and our Dean of Religious Life, Ian Rottenberg ([email protected]), can be contacted directly to assist faculty who receive requests for accommodations. 

For Students 

  • Students should review their class schedule, course syllabus, and the Jewish calendar. Students seeking religious accommodations should contact their professors as soon as possible. 
  • While these dates are excused religious absences, students are responsible to make up their work and be prepared for the next session. 
  • For questions about Jewish holidays or religious accommodations, please contact Rabbi Yonah Hain.

Jewish life on campus offers many ways to celebrate these holidays. The holiday meals, prayer services, community service opportunities, and other holiday-themed experiences are open to all students. Information about many of these offerings can be found at the Kraft Center, as well as Chabad at Columbia. We wish all who are observing a shanah tovah, a happy and healthy new year.

Jewish Holidays 2023 Information Sheet