Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar

Understanding the World Jesus Lived In

When we read the Bible, we often think in terms of our modern calendar and holidays. But Jesus, His disciples, and the Jewish people lived by a different calendar system.

The Jewish calendar shaped worship, celebrations, farming seasons, travel, family life, and the rhythm of the year. Many events in the life of Jesus happened during important Jewish feasts and festivals.

Understanding these seasons helps us better understand Scripture and the story of Jesus.

Today, Jewish people around the world still observe many of these holy days.

What Year Is It on the Jewish Calendar?

The Jewish calendar counts years differently than the modern Gregorian calendar used in most of the world today.

As of 2026, the Jewish calendar year is:

5786–5787

The Jewish New Year, called Rosh Hashanah, begins in the fall, usually during September.

Because of this:

• Part of 2026 is in the Jewish year 5786
• Part of 2026 is in the Jewish year 5787

The Jewish calendar is based on both the moon and the sun. Months begin with the new moon, so Jewish holidays move slightly each year on our modern calendar.

The Jewish Months and Their Approximate Modern Dates

Nisan

Usually March–April

Important Events:
Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

Christian Connection:
The death and resurrection of Jesus took place during Passover season.

Iyar

Usually April–May

A season between Passover and Pentecost.

Sivan

Usually May–June

Important Event:
Shavuot (Pentecost)

Christian Connection:
The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost in Acts 2.

Tammuz

Usually June–July

Summer season in Israel.

Av

Usually July–August

Associated with times of mourning in Jewish history.

Elul

Usually August–September

A season of reflection and preparation before the Jewish New Year.

Tishri (Tishrei)

Usually September–October

Important Events:
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Christian Connection:
Many Christians see prophetic connections between these feasts and the future return of Christ.

Cheshvan

Usually October–November

Sometimes called a quiet month with no major biblical festivals.

Kislev

Usually November–December

Important Event:
Hanukkah

Christian Connection:
Hanukkah often occurs near Christmas season.

Jesus attended the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in John 10:22.

Tevet

Usually December–January

Winter season.

Shevat

Usually January–February

Connected to planting and renewal.

Adar

Usually February–March

Important Event:
Purim

Celebrates the story of Esther and God’s protection of His people.

Jewish Festivals and Their Modern Comparisons

Passover (Pesach)

Usually March or April

Passover remembers how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt.

Christian Connection:
Jesus is often called the “Lamb of God.” His crucifixion took place during Passover season.

Modern Christian Season:
Easter season

Feast of Unleavened Bread

Immediately after Passover

A reminder to remove sin and impurity.

Modern Christian Comparison:
Holy Week reflection and repentance.

Feast of Firstfruits

Spring harvest celebration

Christian Connection:
Jesus’ resurrection is called the “firstfruits” of those raised from the dead.

Modern Christian Comparison:
Easter resurrection celebration.

Shavuot (Pentecost)

Fifty days after Passover

Originally celebrated the grain harvest and God giving the Law.

Christian Connection:
The Holy Spirit came upon believers in Acts 2 at Pentecost.

Modern Christian Comparison:
Pentecost Sunday.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year

A season of repentance, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Modern Christian Comparison:
Some compare it to New Year reflection or Advent preparation.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement

The holiest day of the Jewish year.

A day focused on repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

Modern Christian Comparison:
Themes similar to Lent and confession.

Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)

Celebrates God dwelling with His people during the wilderness journey.

Families build temporary shelters called sukkahs.

Christian Connection:
Many believers connect this feast with God dwelling among humanity.

Hanukkah

Usually November or December

Celebrates the rededication of the Temple and God’s faithfulness.

Modern Christian Comparison:
Occurs near Christmas season.

Important Note:
Hanukkah is not the “Jewish version of Christmas,” but both celebrations happen during the winter season and focus on themes of light and hope.

Why This Matters for Bible Study

Understanding Jewish seasons and festivals helps us:

Understand the timing of events in Scripture
See how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament promises
Recognize biblical symbolism and imagery
Understand why crowds gathered in Jerusalem during certain times
See deeper meaning in Holy Week, Pentecost, and other Christian celebrations

The Bible was written within real history, real cultures, and real seasons.

Learning these connections helps us better understand the story of Jesus.

Related Pages

Learn the Story of Jesus
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Pentecost
Holy Spirit
Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
The Story of Jesus Begins: Season 2
Waiting for a Savior: Season 1