Understanding school schedules and holidays

School calendars in Israel follow the Jewish calendar, which affects when classes start, when breaks happen, and when everything is closed. YESHIVA AND SEMINARY CALENDARS • Time is divided into zmanim (terms). Typical zmanim include Elul, Winter, and Summer. • Breaks between terms are called bein hazmanim. Many students travel during this time. • The Jewish holidays fall within the year, and schedules adjust around them. UNIVERSITY CALENDARS • The academic year usually runs from October to June or July. • Semesters are divided by the holidays and exam periods. • Summer courses and sessions are offered at some schools. TIPS • Ask for the schedule for the whole year and put the dates in your calendar. • Plan flights and travel around the official dates. • Remember that the secular and Jewish calendars differ. Some dates shift each year. • Look at when major holidays fall, including Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Pesach. GOOD TO KNOW • Government offices, banks, and stores close or reduce hours around holidays. • Take care of paperwork before the holiday season.