The 1st and 2nd of Tishrei (September or October)
Rosh Hashanah, literally the head of the year, is the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days, a ten-day period of reflection known as the Days of Awe that culminates in Yom Kippur.
It is a time of both celebration and serious self-examination. Tradition teaches that on Rosh Hashanah the coming year is considered, making it a moment to take stock, seek forgiveness, and resolve to do better.
The ram's horn is sounded in a series of blasts during synagogue services, a wake-up call to reflection and return.
Apples are dipped in honey and a blessing is said for a sweet new year, one of the most beloved customs of the holiday.
The Shabbat braid gives way to a round loaf, symbolizing the cycle of the year and continuity.
Many gather at flowing water to symbolically cast away the past year's wrongdoings, often by tossing crumbs into a river or stream.
Dipped together for a sweet year ahead, the signature taste of the holiday.
A round, often raisin-studded loaf that marks the turning of the year. See the recipe.
A dark, spiced cake sweetened with honey, served for a sweet new year.
Its many seeds symbolize a wish for a year full of good deeds and blessings.
Good year, the most common Rosh Hashanah greeting.
May you be inscribed for a good year, a fuller traditional greeting.
The everyday English equivalent, understood by all.
The shofar is a ram's horn sounded during Rosh Hashanah services in a series of blasts. It serves as a spiritual wake-up call, urging reflection and a return to one's better self.
Dipping apples in honey expresses the wish for a sweet new year, and it is one of the most cherished customs of the holiday, often accompanied by a short blessing.
The Days of Awe are the ten days that begin with Rosh Hashanah and end with Yom Kippur, a period of reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.
Read the full history and traditions in our Rosh Hashanah holiday guide, browse traditional Jewish recipes, look up terms in the glossary, or see the dates on the Hebrew calendar.