Rosh Hashanah 2026 events in Jerusalem

One of the best places to experience the holiday atmosphere is Mahane Yehuda Market. On the morning and early afternoon before the holiday, the stalls and bakeries are filled with treats. It’s a great time to explore, but keep in mind that businesses begin closing early ahead of Shabbat.

The main gathering place is, of course, the Western Wall, which attracts worshippers from around the world. It is important to remember that this year, the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, so the shofar will be sounded only on the second day (Sunday). We recommend planning your transportation in advance.

For those looking for a more unique and organized prayer experience, it is recommended to reserve a seat in advance at Jerusalem’s major synagogues:

• The Great Synagogue: Hosts special holiday prayers each year in a festive and impressive setting.
  Registration for reserved seating for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services is now officially open. You can register in advance easily on the Tickchak website >>
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• Yeshurun Central Synagogue (44 King George Street): Offers an uplifting High Holiday prayer experience from September 11–22, 2026. Services will feature Chief Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot and Cantor Avraham Bernholtz, accompanied by a choir conducted by Moshe Sluchatz.
  Advance registration is required here >>
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The High Holiday season is one of the best times to experience a Selichot tour in Jerusalem. In the evening and late at night, the alleyways of the Old City, Nachlaot, and the city’s historic neighborhoods come alive with tour groups, traditional melodies, and an atmosphere that is hard to put into words. Whether you are looking for a tour exploring Sephardic family heritage, a guided experience through the Old City, or a moving visit to the Western Wall.

You may have already joined a Selichot tour in Jerusalem’s Old City, visited the Hurva Synagogue, and recited Selichot at the Western Wall. But have you ever explored Jerusalem’s ancient synagogues and yeshivas, which give the city its distinctive character throughout the year and especially during the Selichot season?

On this special Selichot tour, we will explore the small courtyards of Jerusalem’s Old Yishuv and visit the Galicia Courtyard, the Ma'aravim House, and the Reisin Courtyard. We will also visit the legendary Ohel Yitzhak Synagogue near the Temple Mount, enjoy rooftop viewpoints including Aderet Eliyahu, visit the Little Western Wall, which preserves the appearance of the Western Wall as it stood for centuries, and stop at King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion. At the end of the tour, we will recite Selichot and hear the shofar sounded at the Western Wall Plaza.

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Come discover the magic of Selichot on a Jerusalem night with a born-and-raised Jerusalem guide who knows every corner of the Old City. With Tali Yehoshua, it is more than a tour. It is a chance to connect with the city’s spirituality and sacred atmosphere, discover places known mainly to locals, and hear fascinating Jerusalem stories.

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During the month of Elul, and especially during the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jewish communities traditionally gather to recite biblical verses, prayers, and liturgical poems centered on repentance, mourning for the destruction of the Temple, and longing for redemption.

Join a special and meaningful Selichot tour in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, featuring fascinating stories and hidden corners that are unfamiliar to many visitors.

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Rosh Hashanah is only the beginning of the holiday season. The days that follow lead into the Ten Days of Repentance, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, a period when Jerusalem is filled with events and activities:

Selichot events in Jerusalem >>
Yom Kippur in Jerusalem >> 
Sukkot in Jerusalem >>
Events in Jerusalem >>