For Canadian Jews, September is a busy month due to the celebrations of Jewish festivals such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Discover what are their significance and how they are celebrated in Canada. 

Canada is a highly hospitable country, which is why newcomers to Canada come from a variety of religious faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. The right to freedom, religion, and thinking is assured to all Canadians, irrespective of their immigration status. 

Over 91,000 Canadian residents between 1980 and 2021 were Jewish immigrants who immigrated from various countries, including the United States, Israel, Russia, Morocco, and Ukraine.  

Notably, five Canadian provinces are more popular among Jews. Over 98% of Jewish Canadians live in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta. Almost half of all Jews in Canada live in Toronto, and roughly a quarter live in Montreal. 

Jewish Holidays in Canada 

The following are the Jewish holidays observed in Canada annually. Discover what these mean and how they are celebrated in Canada. 

Rosh Hashanah 

Rosh Hashanah signifies the beginning of the new year in the Jewish Calander, during which families get together and enjoy meals and spend quality time with each other. On this occasion, Jewish people traditionally eat challah bread, pomegranates, and apples dipped in honey to symbolize a joyful and healthy start for the following year. 

This year, Rosh Hashanah starts on September 15 at sundown  

and spans two days. 

Usually, on Rosh Hashanah, family and friends gather and look back on past events. Prior to the beginning of the new year, a lot of Jewish people in Canada ask for forgiveness from family and friends to begin the new year fresh.  

Yom Kippur 

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, which begins on September 24 at sunset this year and finishes the next evening.  

It is another occasion celebrated by Jewish people, which marks the end of the New Year period after the conclusion of the Rosh Hashanah. 

In the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is usually believed to be the holiest day on which Jews fast and pray, and the fasting lasts for about 25 hours. 

It is a common belief in Jewish people that individuals who repent for their sins these days would be awarded a joyous New Year. Besides this, a lot of Jewish Canadians participate in special Yom Kippur services that involve reading and songs. 

The Yom Kippur holiday concludes happily as a lot of Jewish people participate in the ‘fast breaking’- a joyous potluck that is observed after the fast ends. 

Sukkot 

Just after the four days of Yom Kippur, Jewish people in Canada celebrate Sukkot. The holiday of Sukkot is a cheerful celebration of the time of harvest, which lasts for seven days. 

Sukkot word is the plural of the word Hebrew, which means temporary hut or booth, a sukkah.  

Sukkah, the temporary hut, is built across various areas in Canada during the Sukkot holiday, and family and friends participate in building and decorating the structure. Throughout the week, everything done at home can be done in the sukkah, including eating and praying. 

Displaying the four different species in one hand, including the etrog (citron), next to a tall and thin bundle of plants of the lulav (palm branches), hadasim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willow branches), is another feature of the festival Sukoot. This symbolizes the unity of Jews.  

Celebrations of Jewish Festivals in Canada 

Jewish holidays in Canada are not recognized as public holidays, and almost the majority of Jewish businesses and institutions will be closed throughout the holidays. 

In 2022, Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau stated that the Jewish festival Rosh Hashanah is a valuable event to commemorate and recognize the previous and ongoing Jewish contributions to the country. 

He added that every day, Jewish people contribute to making Canada a better place to live. Also, the Canadian government will always defend Jewish communities and speak out against antisemitism and intolerance wherever and whenever it happens. 

Canada is a nation of multiculturalism and diversity where everyone is accepted irrespective of their religion, country, or beliefs. A country where everyone is free to practice their traditions and rituals and be proud of their identity, without fear and discrimination.