Jewish community celebrates Sukkot from October 6 to October 13, 2025

In 2025, the Jewish holiday of Sukkot begins at sundown on October 6 and continues through October 13. This week-long celebration marks the traditional gathering of the harvest, which is one of the most joyful events in the Jewish calendar. Sukkot is notable for encouraging joy and celebration, with public mourning discouraged during the festival. The first full day of Sukkot this year occurs on October 7, coinciding with the second anniversary of a tragic attack by Hamas on southern Israel in 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. In response to this anniversary, a coalition of Jewish leaders and activists in New York City is organizing a Circle of Unity to foster a sense of community and resilience. They anticipate thousands will join in Central Park for a day of dancing, praying, and celebrating Jewish life with the hope of uplifting spirits amid the remembrance of the past events. This initiative will express solidarity and strength during a time often overshadowed by mourning, as attendees embrace joyfulness in memory of the significant losses faced by the community.