The Jewish New Year traditionally kicks off in Fall with Rosh Hashanah, which translates from Hebrew to “Head of the New Year.” Marking the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, Rosh Hashanah comprises the first two days of a 10 day period of prayer, repentance, and charity in Judaism.

The holiday takes place at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Because the Hebrew calendar measures months based on the lunar cycle and years in correspondence to the solar cycle, the celebrations slide around on the secular calendar, but usually occur between September and October.

This year (2017) it will start on Wednesday, September 20 and end on Friday, September 22.

Rosh Hashanah serves as the first of the “Ten Days of Repentance”, which marks man’s first sin and his repentance. The Ten Days of Repentance begin with Rosh Hashanah and end in celebration with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Some of the customs that take place during Rosh Hashanah include:

• Sounding the shofar, which is to alert listeners of the coming judgment
• Eating a round challah, which symbolizes the circle of life
• Eating apples dipped in honey to usher in a sweet New Year
• Eating of pomegranate to bring a year full of mitzvot and good deeds

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Rosh Hashanah is a religious festival which literally means “Head of the New Year.” This festival marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year, as well as the start of a 10 day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance. For people who practice Judaism, it also marks the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.

The Jewish Year

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated for two days, beginning in the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Because of the difference between the solar and lunar calendar, the occasion doesn’t fall on a static date each year, but usually happens in September or October in the secular calendar.

This year (2016), Rosh Hashanah will start the evening of October 2 and will end the evening of October 4.

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