Holiday guide
Yom HaShoah
Yom HaShoah is Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, set by the Knesset on 27 Nisan. It is a day of state ceremonies, testimony and public reading of names.
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Israel or the diaspora?
Observed as a state day in Israel. Many diaspora communities mark it too, though some also observe international Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January.
On the ground
What happens in Israel
A two-minute siren sounds at 10am and the country stops where it stands: drivers get out of their cars on the motorway and stand in silence. Places of entertainment are closed the evening before.
Year by year
Yom HaShoah dates, year by year
Every date from 2024 to 2030, computed from the Hebrew calendar. Each year has its own page with candle lighting times.
The rest of the calendar
Other Jewish holidays
8 of the 14 other holidays on the Hebrew calendar, nearest date first. Every card opens a guide with dates from 2024 to 2030.
December 5, 2026
Hanukkah
The festival of lights: eight nights of candle lighting marking the rededication of the Temple. Latkes, sufganiyot and dreidels.
January 23, 2027
Tu BiShvat
The new year of the trees. Tree planting in Israel and eating the fruits of the land.
March 23, 2027
Purim
Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia as told in the Book of Esther. Megillah readings, costumes, mishloach manot and festive meals.
April 22, 2027
Passover (Pesach)
The festival of freedom, marking the Exodus from Egypt. Seder nights, matzah, and no chametz for eight days (seven in Israel).
May 11, 2027
Yom HaZikaron
Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, the day before Independence Day.
May 25, 2027
Lag BaOmer
The 33rd day of the Omer count. Bonfires, weddings and celebrations at Mount Meron.
June 11, 2027
Shavuot
The festival of receiving the Torah at Sinai. All-night learning and dairy foods. Two days in the diaspora, one in Israel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Yom HaShoah?+
The next Yom HaShoah begins at sundown on May 3, 2027 and ends at nightfall on May 4, 2027. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, the Gregorian date shifts each year while the season stays fixed.
What is Yom HaShoah?+
Yom HaShoah is Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, set by the Knesset on 27 Nisan. It is a day of state ceremonies, testimony and public reading of names.
Does Israel observe Yom HaShoah differently?+
Observed as a state day in Israel. Many diaspora communities mark it too, though some also observe international Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January.
What is Yom HaShoah like in Israel?+
A two-minute siren sounds at 10am and the country stops where it stands: drivers get out of their cars on the motorway and stand in silence. Places of entertainment are closed the evening before.