October often features several significant religious observances, particularly within the Jewish faith. The dates for these holidays can vary slightly each year on the Gregorian calendar as they are determined by specific lunar-solar calendars.
Below are the primary religious holidays typically observed in October, based on calendar information for 2024:
| Date (2024) | Holiday | Religion |
|---|---|---|
| October 11 - October 12 | Yom Kippur | Jewish |
| October 16 - October 23 | Sukkot | Jewish |
| October 23 - October 25 | Shemini Atzeret | Jewish |
- Yom Kippur: This is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It is a day of atonement observed with a 25-hour fast, intensive prayer, and reflection.
- Sukkot: Also known as the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles, Sukkot is a week-long Jewish holiday. It commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, and it is celebrated by building and dwelling in temporary shelters called sukkahs.
- Shemini Atzeret: Immediately following Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret is a distinct yet connected holiday. It serves as a final, standalone day of celebration and spiritual connection, marking the conclusion of the High Holy Day season before returning to daily life.
For more detailed information on a broader range of religious observances throughout the year, you can consult academic calendars such as the Religious Observances Calendar from Drexel University.
