Our Holidays

The holidays we celebrate as Nazarenes are simple.

We observe the same holy days that Yeshua (Jesus the Nazarene) and His disciples observed.

We follow his calendar—not Rome’s.

Below is a list of the biblical holidays that Yeshua Himself kept, along with their approximate dates and a short description of how we observe them today.

Passover (Pesach) — March or April:

Biblical Reference: Exodus 12; Matthew 26:17–19

Meaning: The remembrance of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and God’s act of redemption.

How We Observe: Nazarenes celebrate Passover as Yeshua did—sharing a meal of unleavened bread and wine, remembering God’s deliverance, and reflecting on repentance and renewal. We do not interpret it through later doctrines of blood sacrifice. Instead, we see it as a memorial of freedom and covenant faithfulness.

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot) — Immediately Following Passover:

Biblical Reference: Leviticus 23:6–8

Meaning: A time to remove leaven—symbolizing corruption—from one’s home and spirit.

How We Observe: We spend seven days eating unleavened bread and focusing on purification—physically, spiritually, and mentally. It is a time of humility and inner cleansing.

Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim) — Spring (During Unleavened Bread):

Biblical Reference: Leviticus 23:9–14

Meaning: A celebration of the first harvest, symbolizing new life and gratitude.

How We Observe: Nazarenes gather to give thanks for God’s provision and the renewal of creation. This day also honors the spiritual resurrection of Yeshua, who rose as the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Pentecost (Shavuot) — 50 Days After Firstfruits:

Biblical Reference: Exodus 19; Acts 2

Meaning: The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the giving of divine wisdom to Yeshua’s disciples.

How We Observe: We study Scripture, share bread and wine, and renew our covenant to walk in the wisdom and discipline of God’s Law.

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) — September or October:

Biblical Reference: Leviticus 23:23–25

Meaning: A day of awakening, repentance, and spiritual renewal marked by the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn).

How We Observe: We gather for prayer and reflection, seeking to awaken our spirits to repentance and prepare our hearts for the sacred days that follow.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) — September or October:

Biblical Reference: Leviticus 16; 23:26–32

Meaning: A solemn day of fasting, prayer, and confession before God.

How We Observe: Nazarenes spend this day in quiet reflection, reconciling with others, forgiving debts, and returning fully to God. It is the holiest day of the year.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) — September or October:

Biblical Reference: Leviticus 23:33–43; John 7

Meaning: A festival of joy remembering God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey.

How We Observe: We gather outdoors, share meals, and dwell temporarily in sukkot (tents or booths) as a reminder that we are sojourners. It is a time of thanksgiving, fellowship, and joy.

Sabbath (Shabbat) — Every Friday Evening to Saturday Evening:

Biblical Reference: Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11

Meaning: A weekly holy day of rest, reflection, and communion with God.

How We Observe: From sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, Nazarenes rest from labor, study the Scriptures, and unplug from the distractions of the world. The Sabbath is the original rhythm of creation, unaltered by human tradition.

What About Christmas?

That’s a good question.

What about Christmas?

As Nazarenes, we do not mandate the observance of Roman or pagan holidays, such as Easter and Christmas—neither of which were celebrated by Yeshua or His followers.

The Pagan Origins of Christmas and Easter:

Christmas was not instituted until centuries after Yeshua’s time. It was adopted by the Roman Church to coincide with Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, pagan festivals celebrating the sun god’s rebirth during the winter solstice.

Easter likewise derived from ancient fertility festivals honoring Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring, from which the name “Easter” originates.

Yeshua and His disciples never practiced these holidays. They observed the biblical feasts of Israel—not Rome’s adaptations.

The Nativity Story:

We know that Yeshua’s earliest followers did not believe in the nativity story, virgin birth, or the perpetual virginity of Mary.

We hold that Yeshua was born naturally of the line of David, through His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary.

The virgin birth narrative is a later mythological addition—a misreading of Isaiah 7:14.

The earliest Gospel, Mark, contains no nativity story. It begins with the baptism of Yeshua by John the Baptist, where Yeshua is declared the beloved Son of God.

For this reason, we do not display nativity scenes, “three wise men,” or other pagan mythologies. We honor Yeshua’s true anointing at His baptism—the moment He became the Son of Man and the Anointed One.

Celebrating Christmas Today:

That said, we understand the affection people have for Christmas.

It is a beloved cultural holiday filled with light, music, generosity, and family joy.

Therefore, we encourage Nazarenes to celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday—a time for kindness, gratitude, and togetherness—while recognizing that it is not the birthday of Yeshua.

We enjoy the pageantry, the beauty, and the warmth of the season, but we teach our children that Christmas is a societal holiday, not a religious one.

Other Secular Holidays:

The same principle applies to holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. We recognize them as national holidays, not religious ones.

For example, during Thanksgiving, we abstain from the slaughter and consumption of animals—especially the mass killing of turkeys.

We instead give thanks with plant-based meals that honor God’s creation and express compassion for all living beings.

In Summary:

Nazarenes honor the same festivals that Yeshua honored, resting when He rested, rejoicing when He rejoiced, and worshiping the God He worshiped.

We celebrate the light of truth—not tradition.

Our calendar reflects the Way—the original rhythm of faith lived by Yeshua the Nazarene and His earliest followers.