Three unidentified men read from the Torah during the High Holidays. High Holidays are observed during the ten day period between Day One: Roshashna, the Jewish New Year, and Day Ten, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. These two holy days are the most important days of the year for Jews, and they are also the only holidays that have no historical foundation. They are religious observances, focusing on family and congregational gatherings, emphasizing reflection, fasting and prayer.