A Guide to Religious Observances
Have you ever wondered about the significance of Sukkot? The importance of Easter? The customs of Ramadan?
Brandeis is home to rich and diverse cultural and religious traditions. We invite you to explore the significance of just some of the celebrations you might encounter here on campus.
View Brandeis' Academic Coursework and Religious Observance Policy.
Summer
- 'Arafa (Islam) - July 30, 2020*
- Eid al-Adha: "The Feast of Sacrifice" (Islam) - July 31, 2020
- Ashura (Islam) - August 29, 2020
Fall
- High Holy Days (Judaism) - September 19-20, 28, 2020
- Sukkot (Judaism) - October 3-9, 2020
- Shemini Atzeret (Judaism) - October 10, 2020
- Simchat Torah (Judaism) - October 11, 2020
- Milad al-Nabi (Islam) - October 29, 2020
- All Saints Day and All Souls Day (Christianity) - November 1-2, 2020
- Diwali (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism) - November 14, 2020
Winter
- Advent (Christianity) - November 29 - December 24, 2020
- Hanukkah (Judaism) - December 11-18, 2020
- Christmas (Christianity) - December 25, 2020
- Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent (Christianity) - February 26, 2020
- Purim (Judaism) - February 26, 2020
Spring
- Passover (Judaism) - March 28 - April 4, 2021
- Palm Sunday (Christianity) - March 28, 2021
- Holy Week (Christianity) - March 28 - April 3, 2021
- Holi (Hinduism) - March 29, 2021
- Easter (Christianity) - April 4, 2021
- Ramadan (Islam) - April 13 - May 11, 2021
- Eid al-Fitr (Islam) - May 13, 2021
- Shavuot (Judaism) - May 18, 2021
- Pentecost (Christianity) - May 23, 2021
*Jewish and Muslim holidays begin at sundown the night before the date listed above