Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) is observed each year on the 28th of Iyar, marking the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967 and the restoration of Jewish access to the Old City and its holy sites. In 2026, Yom Yerushalayim falls on 28 Iyar 5786, beginning at sunset on Thursday evening, 14 May 2026, and continuing through Friday, 15 May 2026 (with some variations in communal observance depending on Shabbat proximity). The day holds deep significance in modern Jewish history, particularly in relation to the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish faith, prayer, and national identity.
The origins of Yom Yerushalayim are rooted in the events of the Six-Day War, during which Israeli forces regained control of the Old City of Jerusalem. This moment was widely experienced as both a historical and spiritual turning point, as Jews were once again able to access the Western Wall, the Temple Mount area, and other sacred sites that had been inaccessible for many years. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel and many Orthodox voices recognised the day as one of thanksgiving, often incorporating Hallel and expressions of gratitude in communal prayer, reflecting the belief that national salvation is to be acknowledged with praise.
Within Orthodox and religious Zionist communities, Yom Yerushalayim is observed as a day of gratitude to Hashem for the return to Jerusalem and the unfolding of redemption in contemporary history. Many synagogues recite Hallel, and communities hold special prayers and celebrations expressing thanks for the restoration of Jewish sovereignty in the holiest city. The central theme is the spiritual and historical significance of Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the Jewish people and the focal point of Jewish prayer throughout generations.
Beyond its historical meaning, Yom Yerushalayim also carries a deeply spiritual message. It is seen as a reminder of the enduring connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, a bond reflected in daily prayer, where Jews face Jerusalem three times a day, and in the longing for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. The day encourages reflection on both the progress that has been made and the continued aspiration for full redemption.
In 2026, as Yom Yerushalayim is marked across communities in Israel and around the world, it serves as a moment to give thanks for the reunification of Jerusalem while also reaffirming hope for the future. It stands as a day that blends history, faith, and national memory, centred on the enduring holiness and significance of Jerusalem in Jewish life.
As we move into the beautiful month of Iyar, we find ourselves in the heart of a powerful spiritual journey. Unlike other months, Iyar is entirely woven into the days of Sefirat HaOmer—a time when each day carries its own opportunity for growth, reflection, and connection.
The counting of the Omer does not pause; it deepens. Each evening, as we count another day, we are not simply marking time—we are refining our character, step by step, preparing ourselves to receive the Torah on Shavuot. Iyar becomes a bridge, transforming inspiration into lasting change, and reminding us that true growth happens gradually, one day at a time.
There is something uniquely special about experiencing an entire month through the lens of the Omer. It invites us to be more mindful, more intentional, and more connected to our inner עולם.
To truly appreciate the depth, meaning, and daily practice of this special mitzvah, continue on to our full guide to counting the Omer.
The Shabbat immediately preceding Rosh Chodesh is known in Orthodox Jewish tradition as Shabbat Mevarchim, meaning “the Shabbat on which we bless” the upcoming new month. On this special Shabbat, the congregation gathers before Mussaf and recites a prayer asking Hashem to bless the coming month with life, peace, health, sustenance, and spiritual growth. The custom of blessing the new month has been observed in Jewish communities for centuries and reflects the deep connection between the Jewish people and the Hebrew calendar.
Rosh Chodesh represents renewal and new beginnings, and Shabbat Mevarchim serves as a spiritual preparation for the incoming month. The congregation announces the exact day on which Rosh Chodesh will occur, and many people use this Shabbat as a time for personal reflection, prayer, and setting spiritual goals for the coming month. Chassidic teachings describe Shabbat Mevarchim as a day filled with special blessing and spiritual opportunity, when the holiness of Shabbat combines with the renewal of the new month.
In many communities, extra joy and singing accompany the prayers of Shabbat Mevarchim. Some have the custom to gather for farbrengens, Torah classes, or festive meals. Tehillim is often recited on the Shabbat Mevarchim before the new month, following the custom established by the Baal Shem Tov and later emphasized by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The only month not blessed on the preceding Shabbat is the month of Tishrei, since according to tradition, Hashem Himself blesses that month on Rosh Hashanah.
Shabbat Mevarchim reminds the Jewish people that time itself is holy and that each new month brings renewed opportunities for growth in Torah, mitzvot, and closeness to Hashem. It transforms the ordinary passing of time into a sacred cycle filled with meaning, blessing, and spiritual renewal.
The Hebrew month of Sivan is one of the most spiritually uplifting months in the Jewish calendar. As the third month counting from Nissan, Sivan is forever connected with Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai. It is a month associated with unity, spiritual growth, Torah learning, and renewed dedication to mitzvot. According to Orthodox Jewish tradition, the Jewish people arrived at Mount Sinai “as one person with one heart,” preparing themselves to receive Hashem’s Torah. Sivan also contains the festival of Shavuot, making it a time filled with holiness, joy, and deep spiritual meaning. The month is traditionally linked with the tribe of Zevulun, the mazal of Te’omim (Gemini), and the precious emerald stone of the Choshen. Read more in our in-depth guide to the Month of Sivan.
Shavuot is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals of the Jewish year and is among the holiest and most spiritually uplifting days in the Jewish calendar. Celebrated on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan in Israel, and on the sixth and seventh of Sivan outside of Israel, Shavuot commemorates Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah by Hashem to the Jewish people at Har Sinai. In the year 2026, Shavuot begins at sunset on Thursday, May 21, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Friday, May 22 in Israel, while outside Israel it continues until nightfall on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Shavuot has several names in the Torah and in Jewish tradition, each revealing a different aspect of the festival. The name “Shavuot” means “Weeks,” referring to the seven weeks counted from Pesach through Sefirat HaOmer in preparation for receiving the Torah. The Torah also calls it Chag HaKatzir, the Festival of the Harvest, because it marked the beginning of the wheat harvest in Eretz Yisrael. Another Torah name is Yom HaBikkurim, the Day of First Fruits, when the first fruits of the harvest were brought to the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem. In Jewish liturgy it is also known as Zman Matan Torateinu, the Season of the Giving of Our Torah, emphasizing its deepest spiritual significance.
Orthodox Jewish tradition teaches that on Shavuot the entire Jewish nation stood together at Mount Sinai and entered into an eternal covenant with Hashem. Chazal explain that every Jewish soul, including future generations, was spiritually present at Har Sinai when the Torah was given. The giving of the Torah was not only a historical event but an ongoing spiritual reality renewed every year on Shavuot. The festival therefore celebrates not merely the receiving of a book of laws, but the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
One of the most cherished customs of Shavuot is Tikkun Leil Shavuot, staying awake throughout the night learning Torah. According to the Midrash, the Jewish people overslept on the morning the Torah was given, and therefore Jews remain awake on the night of Shavuot to demonstrate eagerness and love for Torah. Many communities gather in synagogues and batei midrash to study Torah, Mishnah, Gemara, Midrash, Kabbalah, and other sacred texts until dawn. A special סדר לימוד known as the Tikkun is often read, containing selections from Tanach and Torah Shebaal Peh.
Another central custom of Shavuot is the reading of Megillat Ruth. The story of Ruth takes place during the harvest season, which connects naturally to the agricultural themes of Shavuot. Ruth’s acceptance of Judaism and devotion to Hashem are also seen as paralleling the Jewish people’s acceptance of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Additionally, King David, who descended from Ruth, was traditionally born and passed away on Shavuot. Megillat Ruth therefore expresses themes of loyalty, kindness, faith, and dedication to Torah.
Many Jewish communities decorate homes and synagogues with flowers, greenery, and branches on Shavuot. This custom recalls the Midrashic teaching that Mount Sinai blossomed with flowers and greenery in honor of the giving of the Torah. It also reflects the agricultural nature of the festival during the harvest season.
A beloved custom of Shavuot is the eating of dairy foods such as cheesecake, blintzes, cheese pastries, and milk dishes. Orthodox Jewish sources offer several explanations for this tradition. One reason is that after receiving the Torah, the Jewish people became obligated in the laws of kashrut and could not immediately prepare meat according to the new halachic requirements, so they ate dairy foods. Another explanation connects milk to Torah itself, as Torah is compared to nourishing milk in Shir HaShirim. Many families therefore prepare festive dairy meals alongside traditional Yom Tov meals.
During synagogue services on Shavuot, the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Commandments, are read publicly from the Torah. Many communities stand during this reading to recall the awe and holiness of the revelation at Har Sinai. Special piyyutim and prayers are also recited, including the beautiful Sephardi Azharot and the Ashkenazi Akdamut. In some communities, children are brought to synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of transmitting Torah to future generations.
Shavuot is both a joyous festival and a time of deep spiritual reflection. Unlike other festivals, it has few physical mitzvot associated with it; instead, its focus is primarily spiritual — Torah learning, prayer, and recommitment to mitzvot. Orthodox Jewish teachings describe Shavuot as a yearly opportunity for every Jew to personally receive the Torah anew with joy, humility, and devotion. It is a time to strengthen one’s connection to Hashem, deepen Torah study, and celebrate the eternal covenant between the Jewish people and the Torah.