Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah means 'Head of the Year' in Hebrew. It falls on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, usually in September or October.

According to tradition, Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve—the birthday of humanity. It's also the day when God judges all people for the coming year.

The period from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur is known as the 'Ten Days of Repentance,' a time for self-reflection and return to God.

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Four types of blasts are sounded: tekiah (one long blast), shevarim (three medium blasts), teruah (nine short blasts), and tekiah gedolah (one extra-long blast).

The shofar connects to the binding of Isaac, when a ram was sacrificed in Isaac's place. It calls Jews to examine their deeds and return to their best selves.

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Other traditional foods include pomegranates (said to have 613 seeds, like the commandments), fish heads ('may we be like the head and not the tail'), and carrots (whose Yiddish name, 'meren,' also means 'increase').

Tashlich is performed on the first afternoon—Jews go to a body of water and symbolically cast away their sins by throwing bread crumbs into the water.

FAQ

When is Rosh Hashanah 2026?

Rosh Hashanah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Why do Jews dip apples in honey?

Dipping apples in honey symbolizes the hope for a sweet new year. The custom dates back to medieval times and has become one of the most beloved Rosh Hashanah traditions.

What do you say on Rosh Hashanah?

The traditional greeting is 'Shanah tovah' (Good year) or 'Shanah tovah u'metukah' (A good and sweet year). 'L'shanah tovah tikateivu' means 'May you be inscribed for a good year.'

Is Rosh Hashanah a happy or serious holiday?

Both! It's a day of joy (a holiday, after all) but also solemnity (a day of judgment). The mood balances celebration of the new year with serious reflection on one's life and actions.

Can you work on Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is a full holiday (Yom Tov) when work is traditionally prohibited, similar to Shabbat. Most observant Jews take off both days.