Dear Friends,
We’re in the midst of the Jewish High Holy Days, and more fall holidays are just around the corner!
Rosh Hashanah concluded at nightfall September 24th, and Yom Kippur will start at sundown on October 1st and end at nightfall on October 2nd. The following week will mark Sukkot, from sundown on October 6th to sundown on October 13th. We invite you to learn more about these holidays by visiting our Jewish Fall Holiday Fact Sheet.
Beginning on October 20th, Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated across the world by Hindus, Jains, and Newar Buddhists. Sikhs celebrate a different festival that falls around the same time called Bandi Chhor Diwas (Prisoner Release Day). To learn more about Bandhi Chhor Diwas, Diwali, and how to accommodate those who observe them in your workplace, visit our Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas Fact Sheet.
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is both a cultural and religious holiday. Halloween shares historical ties with celebrations from several faiths and cultures, including the Celtic festival of Samhain (Oct. 31st-Nov. 1st). Halloween is followed by All Saints Day and All Souls Day, two days of commemoration for Catholics and many Protestant churches. November 1st-2nd is also DÃa de los Muertos, a Mexican celebration where family and friends gather to remember loved ones who have passed. To learn more, visit our Season of Spirits Fact Sheet.
Interested in learning more about other holidays? Our Workplace Resources page contains fact sheets on a wide variety of traditions and celebrations throughout the year.
Fun Fact: Holiday History!
The Halloween tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-O’-Lanterns comes from pre-industrial Ireland. While celebrating Samhain, people would carve turnips and other root vegetables and place a coal or candle inside to light their way while going house to house for food and drink—the original form of trick-or-treating.
Sending warm wishes to all who observe.
In unity,
Rev. Mark Fowler, CEO, Tanenbaum, and the Workplace Team