The arrival of a new year is celebrated each January 1. But that’s not the only fresh start people celebrate each year. Within the Jewish community, a new year is celebrated months before the first day of January.
Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday, the name of which translates to “head of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the Jewish calendar year, according to My Jewish Learning. Much like the New Year celebrated in January, Rosh Hashanah is both a time to rejoice and reflect. Many people celebrate the completion of another year by taking stock of their lives and what they can do in the coming year to improve their lives, the community, and the world. Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah as a time for prayer, self-reflection, and repentance.
Rosh Hashanah is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, many of whom pray and reflect in a synagogue during the holiday. The organization Reform Judaism says observances also include certain customs that take place at home. Here are some notable components of Rosh Hashanah.
• Rosh Hashanah is a two-day observance that ushers in ten days of repentance known as the Days of Awe. That period culminates on Yom Kippur, which is known as the Day of Atonement.
• Although Rosh Hashanah is believed to have originated in biblical times, the Bible does not refer to a “new year” or “day of judgement.”
• Challah is traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah. Challah is a round bread symbolizing the eternal cycle of life. The bread is often dipped in honey, which symbolizes hopes for a sweet new year.
• In addition to challah, people also enjoy apples dipped in honey to symbolize sweetness.
• Prayers from the Mahzor are read, and three unique sets of prayers are added to the morning service during Rosh Hashanah. This includes prayers to address the sovereignty of God, presenting God as the one who remembers past deeds, and a prayer for anticipation of the future.
• The sounding of the shofar is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It is a Jewish ritual horn, traditionally made from a ram’s horn.
• Another popular tradition associated with Rosh Hashanah is a ceremony that occurs on the afternoon of the first day. People throw crumbs or pieces of bread into flowing water, symbolizing their sins.
Rosh Hashanah is an important holiday in the Jewish religion. It marks the beginning of a new, and hopefully sweet, new year. In 2025, Rosh HaShanah starts on Monday, September 22nd.
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