The Hebrew Month Tishrei begins, September 29 – October 28

Tishrei, as the seventh month in the Jewish calendar, is plentiful with holidays. As the home of the High Holidays and several lesser holidays, Tishrei is a particularly holy time of year.

Tishrei ushers in the period of judgment characterized by Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and Day of Judgment, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Unlike other months, Tishrei does not begin with Rosh Chodesh, or the celebration of the first day of a new month. Instead, the first day of Tishrei is marked by Rosh Hashanah, which lasts for two days. Because Rosh Hashanah initiates the beginning of Tishrei, this month typically feels like the first month of a new year, rather than the seventh month of the calendar year.

Tashlikh, the day of casting off sins, occurs on the second day of Tishrei, and is followed by Tzom Gedaliah, or the Fast of Gedaliah, on the third day of Tishrei. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, subsequently occurs on the 10th day of Tishrei, and is largely regarded as the holiest day of the Jewish year. Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, occurs on the 15th day of Tishrei, and it is quickly followed by Shmini Atzeret, the day in which water is honored, on the 22nd day of Tishrei. The month of Tishrei is concluded by Simchat Torah, the day that celebrates the Torah’s importance in Judaism; Simchat Torah occurs on the 23rd day of Tishrei.