What Is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days—a period of introspection, repentance, and renewal. Occurring in the fall month of Tishrei, this two-day festival celebrates the creation of the world and the coronation of God as King, while initiating the solemn period of judgment.

The Meaning of the Day

Jewish tradition holds this is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve—the birthday of humanity. It is also understood as the day when God judges all beings, inscribing their fate for the coming year.

בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה יִכָּתֵבוּן וּבְיוֹם צוֹם כִּפּוּר יֵחָתֵמוּן

Translation: On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed.

The Shofar

(Numbers 29:1). The shofar's calls are a wake-up call to repentance, stirring the soul to examine its ways.

Prayers and Liturgy

Avinu Malkeinu

—this responsive prayer asks God to act mercifully as both parent and sovereign.

Unetaneh Tokef

It concludes that repentance, prayer, and charity can avert the severe decree.

Musaf

The additional service includes three special sections: Malchuyot (Sovereignty), Zichronot (Remembrance), and Shofarot (Shofar verses).

Customs and Foods

Apples and Honey

Dipping apple slices in honey expresses hope for a sweet new year.

Challah

Round challah bread symbolizes the cycle of the year and the continuity of life.

New Fruits

It's customary to eat a new seasonal fruit on the second night, accompanied by the Shehecheyanu blessing.

Tashlich

On the first afternoon, many go to a body of flowing water to symbolically cast away sins.

The Ten Days of Repentance

Rosh Hashanah begins the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah (Ten Days of Repentance) concluding on Yom Kippur. This period offers special opportunity for introspection and seeking forgiveness.

Greeting