The Biblical Holidays, with added information

This was inspired by a discussion with a reseller of Amish furniture.

1. Daily Tamid (Regular Burnt Offering) – Num 28:1–8

When

• Every day, morning and dusk.

What

• Two male lambs, first year, without defect — one in the morning, one at dusk.

• Grain offering: 2 quarts fine flour mixed with 1 quart pressed olive oil (per lamb).

• Drink offering: ¼ hin of wine (per lamb), poured in the Holy Place.

Representation

• Continual dedication of Israel to Adonai — a perpetual covenant sign (Ex 29:38–42).

• Rabbinic tradition: the Tamid atones for the nation’s general sins of neglect and maintains the bond between Israel and God (Mishnah, Tamid).

• The morning and evening rhythm symbolizes constant communion with God.

Gentile Participation

• While Gentiles could bring offerings (Num 15:14–16), the Tamid itself was commanded for Israel as a national service, performed only by priests in the Temple.

Historical Note

• The Tamid ceased in 70 CE when the Second Temple fell (Josephus, Wars, 6.2.1). Its absence marked the end of the continual burnt offering until the Temple is rebuilt (Dan 8:11–14).

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2. Shabbat Offering – Num 28:9–10

When

• Every weekly Shabbat.

What

• Two male lambs, first year, without defect.

• Grain offering: 1 gallon fine flour mixed with oil.

• Drink offering: accompanying measure.

Representation

• Marks Shabbat as a covenantal sign (Ex 31:13–17) and a day set apart.

• Symbolizes rest, sanctification, and the fullness of God’s provision.

Gentile Participation

• Shabbat offerings were priestly duty for Israel, but Gentiles who joined themselves to Israel (Isa 56:6–7) were welcomed to worship at the Temple.

Historical Note

• Special psalms were sung for Shabbat in Temple service (Mishnah Tamid 7:4, Ps 92).

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3. Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) – Num 28:11–15

When

• First day of each month (Hebrew calendar).

What

• 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs (first year, without defect).

• Grain offerings scaled to animal size (6 quarts for bull, 4 for ram, 2 for lamb).

• Drink offerings proportionate (2 quarts wine for bull, etc.).

• 1 male goat for sin offering.

Representation

• Renewal of covenant relationship; marking God’s appointed times (Ps 81:3).

• Sin offering acknowledges human imperfection even in celebration.

Gentile Participation

• Gentiles could attend celebrations (Isa 66:23) but the sacrificial service remained under priestly administration.

Historical Note

• In David’s time, Rosh Chodesh feasts were state events (1 Sam 20).

• Second Temple era: trumpet blasts announced the New Moon (Num 10:10).

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4. Pesach & Chag HaMatzot – Num 28:16–25

When

• 14th Nisan: Pesach.

• 15–21 Nisan: Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzot).

What

• Each day: 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs (perfect), plus flour/oil grain offerings and drink offerings.

• Male goat daily as sin offering.

• All in addition to regular Tamid.

Representation

• Commemoration of deliverance from Egypt (Ex 12).

• Burnt offerings express dedication; sin offerings remind of ongoing need for atonement.

Gentile Participation

• Gentiles could partake if circumcised (Ex 12:48).

• In Temple times, proselytes celebrated fully.

Historical Note

• Central pilgrimage festival (Deut 16:1–8).

• Yeshua’s last supper took place during this festival (Luke 22:7–15).

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5. Shavuot (Feast of Weeks / Firstfruits) – Num 28:26–31

When

• 50 days after the wave offering during Passover week.

What

• 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs (perfect).

• Flour/oil grain offerings scaled per animal.

• Male goat for sin offering.

Representation

• Firstfruits of wheat harvest; thanksgiving for provision.

• Later associated with giving of the Torah at Sinai (Ex 19).

Gentile Participation

• Gentile God-fearers attended in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5–11).

Historical Note

• In Acts 2, Shavuot became the day of the outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).

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6. Yom Teruah (Trumpets) – Num 29:1–6

When

• 1st day of 7th month (Tishrei).

What

• 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs (perfect).

• Flour/oil grain offerings as prescribed.

• Male goat for sin offering.

• Plus Rosh Chodesh offerings.

Representation

• Call to repentance and remembrance; herald of judgment (Lev 23:24).

• Shofar blasts signal God’s kingship.

Gentile Participation

• All nations will one day join in worship at this time (Ps 47, Zech 14:16).

Historical Note

• Associated with coronation of God as King in Jewish tradition.

• Possibly connected with Nehemiah’s public Torah reading (Neh 8).

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7. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) – Num 29:7–11

When

• 10th day of 7th month.

What

• 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs (perfect).

• Flour/oil grain offerings; male goat for sin offering (in addition to the special sin offerings in Lev 16).

Representation

• National atonement and cleansing.

• Solemn fast day (Lev 23:27).

Gentile Participation

• The atonement was for Israel, but Gentiles living among them were to afflict themselves also (Lev 16:29).

Historical Note

• High Priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year.

• Yeshua’s death and resurrection are seen in the New Covenant as the ultimate atonement (Heb 9:11–14).

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8. Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) – Num 29:12–34

When

• 15–21 Tishrei.

What

• Day 1: 13 bulls, 2 rams, 14 lambs (perfect), goat for sin.

• Decrease bulls by 1 each day until day 7 (7 bulls).

• Grain and drink offerings scaled to animal size.

Representation

• Remembering wilderness wanderings, God’s provision (Lev 23:42–43).

• Decreasing bulls traditionally seen as intercession for the nations (Sukkah 55b).

Gentile Participation

• Prophets foresee all nations keeping Sukkot in the Messianic era (Zech 14:16).

Historical Note

• Temple water-drawing ceremony (Simchat Beit HaShoeva) took place during Sukkot (John 7:37–39).

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9. Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day Assembly) – Num 29:35–39

When

• 22 Tishrei (day after Sukkot week).

What

• 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs (perfect).

• Grain and drink offerings; male goat for sin.

Representation

• “Closing assembly” — intimate time with God after the pilgrim festival (Deut 16:8).

• Seen as God asking Israel to “tarry a little longer” before dispersing.

Gentile Participation

• In prophetic vision, all nations will share in God’s reign beyond Sukkot (Isa 25:6–8).

Historical Note

• Later Jewish tradition reads Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) on this day.

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10-year calendar mapping (2025–2034)

2025

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 12–20. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: Jun 1–3 (Diaspora; Israel one day Jun 1–2). (Hebcal)

• Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanah): Sep 22–24. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Oct 1–2. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Oct 6–13. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 13–15 (Israel: Oct 13–14 combined). (Hebcal)

2026

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 1–9. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: May 21–23 (Israel: May 21–22). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 11–13. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Sep 20–21. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Sep 25–Oct 2. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 2–4 (Israel: Oct 2–3 combined). (Hebcal)

2027

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 21–29. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: Jun 10–12 (Israel: Jun 10–11). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Oct 1–3. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Oct 10–11. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Oct 15–22. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 22–24 (Israel: Oct 22–23 combined). (Hebcal)

2028

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 10–18. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: May 30–Jun 1 (Israel: May 30–31). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 20–22. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Sep 29–30. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Oct 4–11. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 11–13 (Israel: Oct 11–12 combined). (Hebcal)

2029

• Pesach / Matzot: Mar 30–Apr 7. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: May 19–21 (Israel: May 19–20). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 9–11. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Sep 18–19. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Sep 23–30. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Sep 30–Oct 2 (Israel: Sep 30–Oct 1 combined). (Hebcal)

2030

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 17–25. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: Jun 6–8 (Israel: Jun 6–7). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 27–29. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Oct 6–7. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Oct 11–18. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 18–20 (Israel: Oct 18–19 combined). (Hebcal)

2031

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 8–15. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: May 27–29 (Israel: May 27–28). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 17–19. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Sep 26–27. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Oct 1–8. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 9–10 (Israel: Oct 9 combined). (Hebcal)

2032

• Pesach / Matzot: Mar 26–Apr 3. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: May 15–17 (Israel: May 15–16). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 5–7. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Sep 14–15. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Sep 20–27. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Sep 26–28 (Israel: Sep 26–27 combined). (Hebcal)

2033

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 13–21. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: Jun 2–4 (Israel: Jun 2–3). (download.hebcal.com, Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 24–26 (note: civil calendars often show evening candle-lighting Sep 23). (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Oct 2–3. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Oct 7–14. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 14–16 (Israel: Oct 14–15 combined). (Hebcal)

2034

• Pesach / Matzot: Apr 3–11. (Hebcal)

• Shavuot: May 23–25 (Israel: May 23–24). (Hebcal)

• Rosh Hashanah: Sep 13–15. (Hebcal)

• Yom Kippur: Sep 22–23. (Hebcal)

• Sukkot: Sep 27–Oct 4. (Hebcal)

• Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah: Oct 4–6 (Israel: Oct 4–5 combined). (Hebcal)

Bonus information: Purim and Chanukkah

The reason they are bonus, is that they are not biblical, but they are practiced as a part of preserving and remembering history, and HaShem’s predictions.

Purim (פורים)

1. When it happens
   Purim is observed on 14 Adar (or 14 Adar II in Hebrew leap years). In walled cities from Joshua’s time (most famously Jerusalem), Shushan Purim is kept on 15 Adar. Hebcal+3Hebcal+3Hebcal+3Chabad

2. What is offered / food & practice notes
   There are no Temple sacrifices for Purim; instead the day is marked by four mitzvot:

• Megillah (Book of Esther) reading (night and day)

• Matanot la-Evyonim (gifts to the poor)

• Mishloach Manot (edible gifts to friends)

• Festive meal (seudah)—often with wine; traditional sweets include hamantaschen/oznei Haman. My Jewish Learning+2My Jewish Learning+2Orthodox UnionChabadTIME

3. What it represents
   Purim commemorates God’s deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s genocidal decree in the Persian Empire, as recorded in Esther; the day’s practices emphasize publicizing the miracle, communal solidarity, and joy (Esther 9 also anchors gifts to friends and to the poor). WikipediaYeshivat Har Etzion

4. How Gentiles can participate (practical precision)

• Purim’s mitzvot are obligations on Jews; a non-Jew is not commanded to fulfill them.

• Joining the meal, attending Megillah readings as a guest, supporting local poor (general tzedakah/charity) are widely welcomed.

• Halachically, matanot la-evyonim specifically must be given to Jewish poor to fulfill the command; giving to non-Jews is meritorious charity but doesn’t fulfill that mitzvah. (Community norms vary; when in doubt, ask the host/rabbi.) Mi YodeyaHalachipedia

5. Historical alignment notes

• Persia, 5th–4th c. BCE: core story in Megillat Esther.

• March 1953: many note that Stalin’s stroke and death coincided with Purim that year; this is often framed in Jewish memory as a striking “Purim-timed” turn. (Historical reporting acknowledges the date overlap; interpretation is theological.) Wikipediajewishnewhaven.orgJerusalem Post

Purim dates, 2024–2034 (Diaspora)

• 2024: Mar 23–24 (Erev–Day), Shushan Purim Mar 24–25. Hebcal

• 2025: Mar 13–14, Shushan Mar 14–15. Hebcal

• 2026: Mar 2–3, Shushan Mar 3–4. Hebcal

• 2027 (leap; Adar II): Mar 22–23, Shushan Mar 23–24. Hebcal

• 2028: Mar 11–12, Shushan Mar 12–13. Hebcal

• 2029: Feb 28–Mar 1, Shushan Mar 1–2. Hebcal

• 2030 (leap): Mar 19–20, Shushan Mar 20–21. Hebcal

• 2031: Mar 8–9, Shushan Mar 9–10. Hebcal

• 2032: Feb 25–26, Shushan Feb 26–27. Hebcal

• 2033 (leap): Mar 14–15, Shushan Mar 15–16. Hebcal

• 2034: Mar 4–5, Shushan Mar 5–6. Hebcal

Notes: Purim begins the evening prior. In leap years, Purim shifts to Adar II; some mark Purim Katan on 14 Adar I as a minor day. Hebcal

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Ḥanukkah / Chanukah (חנוכה)

1. When it happens
   Ḥanukkah lasts 8 nights, starting 25 Kislev. Dates float from late Nov to late Dec in the Gregorian calendar. Sefaria

2. What is offered / food & practice notes
   No Temple offerings (this is a post-Biblical festival), but there are core practices:

• Lighting the ḥanukkiyah nightly (one additional light each night; blessings; publicizing the miracle).

• Hallel and Al haNissim in prayers.

• Foods fried in oil (latkes, sufganiyot); some communities also emphasize dairy. Work is permitted, though many women refrain from certain work while the candles burn (a widespread custom). Sefaria+2Sefaria+2My Jewish LearningOrthodox UnionChabad

3. What it represents
   Commemorates the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean revolt (164 BCE), and (in rabbinic memory) the oil miracle of one day’s supply lasting eight. Classical sources: 1 Maccabees 4:36–59 (eight-day dedication beginning 25 Kislev) and Talmud Shabbat 21b (oil miracle); Josephus calls it the Festival of Lights. USCCBSefariaPenelope યોજ.kwLibrary

4. How Gentiles can participate (practical precision)

• The mitzvah to light is a Jewish household obligation. Non-Jews are welcome to attend lightings, share in meals, and join charity acts. If a non-Jew wishes to light as a gesture of solidarity, many advise doing so without reciting the Hebrew blessings, as those blessings assume a Jewish commandment. (Practices vary; follow the host community.) Mi Yodeya

5. Historical alignment notes

• 25 Kislev 164 BCE: rededication (core origin). USCCB

• Dec 9–11, 1917 (during Ḥanukkah week): British capture of Jerusalem in WWI; General Allenby enters the city Dec 11. Many Jewish accounts connect the timing with Ḥanukkah symbolism. mosaicmagazine.comWikipedia

Ḥanukkah dates, 2024–2034

• 2024: Dec 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025. HebcalAP News

• 2025: Dec 14–22, 2025. Hebcal

• 2026: Dec 4–12, 2026. Hebcal

• 2027: Dec 24, 2027 – Jan 1, 2028. Hebcal

• 2028: Dec 12–20, 2028. Hebcal

• 2029: Dec 2–10, 2029. Hebcal

• 2030: Dec 20–28, 2030. Hebcal

• 2031: Dec 9–17, 2031. Hebcal

• 2032: Nov 27 – Dec 5, 2032. Hebcal

• 2033: Dec 16–24, 2033. Hebcal

• 2034: Dec 6–14, 2034. Hebcal

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Quick side-by-side meanings (one-liners)

• Purim: Providence amid hiddenness; communal unity via giving/feasting; salvation in exile (Esther).

• Ḥanukkah: Faithfulness and rededication; light over desecration; national and spiritual resilience (Maccabees/Talmud).

Footnotes & Weblinks

1. MyJewishLearning – Four Mitzvot of Purim
   Explains the four Purim mitzvot: Megillah, Mishloach Manot, Matanot la-Evyonim, and the Festive Meal.
   → https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-four-mitzvot-of-purim/

2. OU.org – Holidays Guide
   Guide to Purim observances and customs.
   → https://www.ou.org/holidays/purim_mitzvot/

3. Chabad.org – How to Celebrate Purim
   Practical notes on Purim traditions and practices.
   → https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/1362/jewish/How-to-Celebrate-Purim.htm

4. Time.com – History of Hamantaschen
   History and significance of Purim’s traditional sweets.
   → https://time.com/4695901/purim-history-hamantaschen/

5. Wikipedia – Purim
   General overview, history, and significance including Haman’s plot and timing.
   → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim

6. Etzion.org.il – Matanot la-Evyonim and Mishloach Manot
   Discussion on the Purim gifts: to the poor and to friends.
   → https://etzion.org.il/en/holidays/purim/matanot-la-evyonim-and-mishloach-manot

7. Judaism.StackExchange – Matanot la-Evyonim to Non-Jews
   Halachic discussion on giving Purim charity to non-Jews.
   → https://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/26537/matanos-levyonim-to-a-non-jew

8. Chabad.org – Why Women Don’t Work During Candles
   Customary practice of not working during Ḥanukkah candle-lighting.
   → https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/792891/jewish/Why-Dont-Women-Work-While-the-Chanukah-Candles-Are-Burning.htm

9. MyJewishLearning – Hanukkah Foods
   Explains tradition of fried foods and other customary dishes.
   → https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hanukkah-foods/

10. OU.org – Chanukah Laws & Customs
    Official guide to Chanukah observances from the Orthodox Union.
    → https://www.ou.org/holidays/hilchos-uminhagei-chanuka/

11. Bible.usccb.org – 1 Maccabees 4
    Historical account of the rededication of the Temple and eight-day festival.
    → https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1maccabees/4

12. Sefaria – Talmud, Shabbat 21b
    Discussion of the Ḥanukkah miracle (oil lasting eight days).
    → https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.21b?lang=en

13. Josephus, Antiquities – Festival of Lights
    Josephus’s account of the Maccabean rededication festival.
    → https://penelope.uchicago.edu/josephus/ant-12.html

14. Judaism.StackExchange – Non-Jews Lighting Menorah
    Halachic guidance about non-Jews participating in lighting the menorah.
    → https://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/138747/is-a-non-jew-permitted-to-light-a-menorah

15. MosaicMagazine.com – British Capture of Jerusalem, 1917 over Ḥanukkah
    Historical reflection connecting WWI event with Chanukah timing.
    → https://mosaicmagazine.com/picks/history-ideas/2022/12/the-first-hanukkah-in-british-jerusalem-1917/

16. Hebcal.com – Holiday Dates Source
    Comprehensive Hebrew–Gregorian date mappings for Purim, Chanukah, and other festivals (used for 2024–2034 tables).
    → https://www.hebcal.com/holidays