National Holidays in Israel in 2009, 2010 and 2011:
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Purim | March 10 | Feb 28 | March 20 |
| Passover (first day) * | April 9 | March 30 | April 19 |
| Passover (last day) * | April 15 | April 5 | April 25 |
| Holocaust Memorial Day | April 21 | April 11 | May 1 |
| National Memorial Day | April 28 | April 18 | May 8 |
| Israeli Independence Day * | April 29 | April 19 | May 9 |
| Shavuot (Pentecost) * | May 29 | May 19 | June 8 |
| Tisha Be'Av | July 30 | July 20 | Aug 9 |
| Rosh Hashana (New Year 1st day) * | Sept 19 | Sept 9 | Sept 29 |
| Rosh Hashana (New Year last day) * | Sept 20 | Sept 10 | Sept 30 |
| Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) * | Sept 28 | Sept 18 | Oct 8 |
| Succot (Feast of Tabernacles) * | Oct 3 | Sept 23 | Oct 13 |
| Simhat Torah (Rejoining of the Law) * | Oct 10 | Sept 30 | Oct 20 |
| Hanukkah | Dec 12 | Dec 2 | Dec 21 |
*Israeli National Holidays: All businesses in Israel are closed
In the Jewish tradition, a new day begins with the appearance of three stars in the sky; hence national holidays begin in the afternoon hours of the day before the official date.
As in most countries, the national holidays (holy days) in Israel usually have a religious theme, celebrating a special time in Jewish history. They are customarily celebrated with families and typically include an amazing feast.
During many of the holidays Public transportation is not available and all but a few shops are closed for business. Though it may sound peculiar, even annoying at first for those on vacation, in reality it is a delightful experience for visitors and locals alike. A calm tranquil feeling spreads throughout the cities and many locals head to the numerous musical & cultural festivals going on in the country.