Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is currently being observed. This holiday, which differs from the New Year celebrated on January 1, is based on the Hebrew calendar. This year, Rosh Hashanah runs from the evening of October 2 until the evening of October 4. The next significant observance will be Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, which focuses on reconciliation with God.
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the year 5785 on the Hebrew calendar, translating to “Head of the Year.” It celebrates the creation of the universe and the first human beings, Adam and Eve. Traditional practices include blowing the shofar, a ram’s horn, during the holiday’s morning services, symbolizing repentance.
The holiday is celebrated with prayer, gatherings in synagogues, and various rituals, including the Tashlich prayer, which is performed near water. A special bread known as “Challah,” typically braided and slightly sweet, is consumed, and blessings are often recited over candles.
Common greetings during this time include “Have a Good and Sweet New Year,” or the Hebrew phrase “shanah tovah umtukah,” meaning “may you have a good and sweet new year.” A shorter version, “shanah tovah,” which means “a good year,” is also used.
Following Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, which this year will take place on October 11-12. This solemn day of atonement marks the final judgment for individuals in the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of repentance. The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is known as the “10 Days of Awe,” during which it is believed that God determines who will live or die in the coming year. Jewish teachings state that the righteous are inscribed in the “book of life,” while others have until Yom Kippur to seek forgiveness and repent.