If you’re looking at the calendar right now—specifically the week starting Sunday, January 18, 2026—and wondering if you missed a memo about a Jewish holiday, the answer is: sort of. It depends on how you define "holiday."
Honestly, the Jewish calendar is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. While there aren't any "major" holidays this week like Passover or Hanukkah where businesses close down, something pretty cool is happening. Today, January 18, marks the transition between two Hebrew months.
We are officially moving from the month of Tevet into the month of Shevat.
Is There a Jewish Holiday This Week? The Lowdown on Rosh Chodesh
Technically, yes. Rosh Chodesh Shevat begins at sundown on Sunday, January 18, and continues through Monday, January 19.
Rosh Chodesh literally means "Head of the Month." It’s a minor holiday that happens every time the new moon shows up. Historically, it was a huge deal—a day off for women and a time for special festivities. Nowadays, most people go to work, but in synagogues, there are extra prayers like Hallel (songs of praise) and a special Torah reading.
You won't see parades in the street. But if you have Jewish friends who seem a little more "liturgical" on Monday morning, that’s why.
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Why Shevat Matters
The month of Shevat is actually a big deal in the Jewish world. Why? Because it’s the lead-up to the "New Year for Trees."
In 2026, the big celebration for this month—Tu BiShvat—doesn't happen this week. It actually falls on the evening of February 1st. But the "vibe" of this week is all about anticipation. It’s like the Jewish version of that feeling you get in early spring when the buds are just starting to think about popping out.
Even though it’s January and probably freezing in most of the Northern Hemisphere, Shevat represents the sap starting to rise in the trees in Israel. It's a pivot toward growth.
What You’ll Notice This Week (Jan 18 - Jan 24)
If you’re interacting with the Jewish community or visiting a synagogue this week, here’s the breakdown of what's actually happening on the ground:
- Sunday Night/Monday: Rosh Chodesh Shevat. This is the "New Moon" celebration.
- Saturday, Jan 24: This is Shabbat. Every Saturday is a holiday in Judaism. This specific Shabbat is called Parashat Va'eira. It’s the portion of the Torah where the plagues in Egypt start getting serious.
It’s kind of a heavy week in terms of the scripture being read, but a light week in terms of "taking off work."
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Wait, is it a "Major" Holiday?
Nope.
In Judaism, "Major" holidays (like Yom Kippur or the first days of Sukkot) involve strict prohibitions on work, driving, or using electronics. This week has none of that. You’re totally fine to schedule meetings, weddings, or lunch dates.
Misconceptions About the Jewish Calendar in January
People often think that because Hanukkah is over, the Jewish calendar goes "dark" until the spring. That’s not really true.
The Hebrew calendar is lunar-solar. It’s constantly shifting. In 2026, we’re in a period where we are gearing up for the "Spring" cycle of holidays. If you’re asking is there a jewish holiday this week because you saw someone mention a "New Year," they were likely talking about the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) or getting their dates mixed up with the Tree New Year (Tu BiShvat) coming up in two weeks.
How to Acknowledge the Day
If you want to be extra culturally savvy, you can say "Chodesh Tov" (pronounced kho-desh tov) on Sunday night or Monday. It basically means "have a good month."
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It’s a low-key way to show you’re in the loop without making a big production out of it.
Looking Ahead: The Next Big Dates
Since this week is relatively quiet, you might want to mark your calendar for what’s coming next. The month of Shevat builds momentum toward some of the most "fun" holidays in the tradition:
- Tu BiShvat (Feb 1-2): The New Year for Trees. People eat a lot of dried fruit and nuts. Think of it as Jewish Arbor Day but with more snacks.
- Purim (March 2-3): This is the massive costume party holiday. It's loud, there are cookies (Hamantashen), and everyone is generally having a blast.
- Passover (April 1-9): The big one. Seder plates, no bread for a week, and lots of family gatherings.
Actionable Next Steps
If you were worried about missing a major observance this week, you can breathe easy. But, since it is the start of a new Hebrew month, it’s a great time to do a little "life audit."
- Check your local sunset times: Jewish holidays always start at sunset. If you’re planning anything for Sunday evening, remember that's when the "day" technically changes.
- Update your digital calendar: If you use Google Calendar or Outlook, you can actually add "Jewish Holidays" as an add-on calendar so you never have to Google this again.
- Plan your Tu BiShvat Seder: Since that holiday is only two weeks away, now is the time to look for recipes involving the "Seven Species" (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates).
This week is about a fresh start and a new moon. Enjoy the quiet before the busier holiday season kicks in during the spring.