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Annual calendar · United Kingdom
Clear answers for meaningful moments
The right words begin with understanding.
Jewish Moments brings together correct UK dates, the character of each occasion, appropriate greetings and ready-to-use messages. These are practical, source-checked guides for Jewish families and for the friends, colleagues, employers and schools who want to show up thoughtfully.
Direct answer firstNo digging for the essential guidance
UK datesDiaspora dates and local timing notes
Context mattersCelebratory, solemn or practical
Sources shownReviewed, linked and transparent
Festivals & dates
Festivals & dates
Know when it begins, what it means and what greeting fits.
Read the guide
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Jewish New Year · wording guide
Rosh Hashanah greetings
The simplest appropriate Rosh Hashanah greeting is “Shana Tova”, meaning “a good year”. In English, “Wishing you a happy, healthy and sweet New Year” is warm and widely suitable. Send it before the festival or during its two days; for a colleague or client, a brief message acknowledging the Jewish New Year is thoughtful and appropriate.03
Day of Atonement · etiquette guide
Yom Kippur greetings
“Have a meaningful Yom Kippur”, “G’mar Chatima Tova” or “Wishing you a meaningful and easy fast” are considerate Yom Kippur greetings. “Happy Yom Kippur” is not the usual expression because the day is solemn and reflective rather than festive. If you do not know whether someone fasts, wish them a meaningful observance instead of assuming that they do.04
Festival of Lights · message guide
Hanukkah card messages
“Happy Hanukkah” is a completely appropriate greeting. You can also say “Hanukkah Sameach” or “Chag Hanukkah Sameach”, meaning a happy Hanukkah festival. A good card message can mention light, warmth, hope or time with loved ones. For workplaces and schools, acknowledge Hanukkah in its own right rather than treating it as the Jewish version of Christmas.Life moments
Life moments
Warm, respectful language for celebration and loss.
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Jewish milestone · card wording
Bar & Bat Mitzvah messages
Begin a Bar or Bat Mitzvah card with “Mazel Tov”, which is used like “congratulations”. Then recognise the young person’s effort, the significance of the milestone and the future ahead. A simple message such as “Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah—wishing you pride, happiness and every success as you begin this new chapter” is warm and appropriate.02
Condolence · thoughtful guidance
Jewish bereavement messages
Keep a Jewish condolence message simple, present and sincere: “I am so sorry for your loss. May their memory be a blessing.” During shiva, it is often best to let the mourner speak first and to listen rather than search for an explanation. Avoid phrases that minimise the loss, compare grief or suggest that everything happens for a reason.Workplaces & schools
Workplaces & schools
Practical UK planning and inclusive communication.
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For employers, HR and schools
Jewish workplace calendar
A useful Jewish workplace calendar should show that festivals begin the evening before, identify days when observant employees may not work or travel, and avoid assuming every Jewish person follows the same practice. In 2026 the main UK planning dates include Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Ask employees privately what adjustments they need and plan important events early.Guidance when it is useful
Read it now. Receive it again at the right moment.
The guides stay here all year; reminders bring the relevant date, wording and card to your inbox before the occasion.