Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, celebrated on the first and second days of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar. In 2023, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 15, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 17.
Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection, repentance, and new beginnings. It is also a time to celebrate with family and friends.
How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with a number of special customs and traditions. Some of the most common include:
- Attending synagogue services: Rosh Hashanah services are long and festive, and include special readings from the Torah and Talmud.
- Eating special foods: Rosh Hashanah is a time for feasting, and there are a number of special foods that are traditionally eaten on the holiday. These include round challah bread dipped in honey, apples dipped in honey, and pomegranates.
- Blowing the shofar: The shofar is a ram’s horn that is blown at various points during Rosh Hashanah services. The sound of the shofar is a wake-up call to repentance and a reminder of God’s judgment.
- Wishing others a good year: It is customary to greet others with the Hebrew words “Shanah tovah” (Happy New Year) during Rosh Hashanah.
Symbolism of Rosh Hashanah foods
Many of the foods that are eaten on Rosh Hashanah have symbolic meaning. For example, round challah bread and apples dipped in honey symbolize a sweet and new year. Pomegranates are a symbol of abundance and fertility.
Rosh Hashanah is a time for celebration and reflection. It is a time to come together with loved ones and to welcome the new year with hope and optimism.
