Jerusalem Holiday Times — Tishrei 2026
Candle lighting and Havdalah for every Tishrei holiday, in Jerusalem time — about 20 minutes earlier than most of the country.
This year one holiday runs three days in a row with the city shut. Worth knowing in advance.
Rosh Hashana
3 days in a rowHoliday begins
18:10
Friday 11 September
Holiday ends
19:24
Sunday 13 September
Begins on Friday evening and runs to Sunday night — three days in a row when the city shuts down.
Yom Kippur
2 days in a rowHoliday begins
17:58
Sunday 20 September
Holiday ends
19:14
Monday 21 September
No public transport, empty roads, and the city closes completely from the start of the fast until it ends.
Sukkot
2 days in a rowHoliday begins
17:52
Friday 25 September
Holiday ends
19:07
Saturday 26 September
Two days in a row, and only then does Chol HaMoed begin.
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
2 days in a rowHoliday begins
17:43
Friday 2 October
Holiday ends
18:58
Saturday 3 October
In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are a single day.
Chol HaMoed Sukkot
27 September to 1 October — the days the city is open, most sites run extended hours, and half of Jerusalem is out. These are the days to plan around.
Common questions
When does Yom Kippur 2026 start in Jerusalem?
Candle lighting and the start of the fast are on Sunday 20 September, at 17:58 in Jerusalem. The fast ends on Monday 21 September, at 19:14.
How many days does Rosh Hashana 2026 close the city?
Three. It begins on Friday 11 September and ends on Sunday 13 September. If you need to shop, travel or fly, get it done before.
When does Chol HaMoed Sukkot 2026 begin?
Chol HaMoed runs from 27 September to 1 October. These are the days when most sites and attractions are open, often with extended hours — starting as soon as the first day of Sukkot ends on Saturday 26 September.
Are these times right for Tel Aviv or Haifa too?
No. In Jerusalem candles are lit 40 minutes before sunset, while most other cities light 20 minutes before — a difference of about 20 minutes. Every time on this page is calculated for Jerusalem only.
What is open in the city on the holidays themselves?
Almost nothing. Public transport stops, most businesses are closed, and on the main holidays so are the restaurants. What does stay open is collected on our Shabbat page, which is kept up to date. On Yom Kippur the city closes completely — roads included.
Times are calculated for Jerusalem and drawn from Hebcal. In Jerusalem, candles are customarily lit 40 minutes before sunset. כניסת ויציאת החג בעברית
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