🍎Rosh Hashanah

About Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and one of the holiest days in Judaism, opening the ten-day period of the High Holy Days that culminates in Yom Kippur. Its name means "head of the year" in Hebrew, and it marks the anniversary of the creation of the world in Jewish tradition. More than a celebration, it begins a season of introspection — a time to take stock of the past year, seek forgiveness and resolve to do better in the year ahead.

The day is marked by the blowing of the shofar, a ram's horn sounded in a series of blasts that call worshippers to reflection. Families gather for festive meals where apples are dipped in honey and round challah is shared, expressing the hope for a sweet new year. Synagogue services are long and stirring, and many observe the tashlich custom of symbolically casting away sins by tossing breadcrumbs into flowing water. The traditional greeting is "Shanah Tovah" — a good year.

Rosh Hashanah falls on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, so its Gregorian date shifts each year, usually landing in September or early October. Like all Jewish holidays it begins at sundown the evening before the first full day. Whether you are preparing for the High Holy Days or simply marking the new year, add Rosh Hashanah to your own page and the counter above will show exactly how long until it begins.