Jewish communities around the globe are preparing to observe the High Holy Days, with Rosh Hashanah marking the beginning of this sacred period. Rosh Hashanah, celebrated as the Jewish New Year, is characterized by several significant traditions.
During this time, many participate in synagogue services where the shofar, a sacred ram’s horn, is blown. Traditional foods enjoyed during Rosh Hashanah include apples and honey, symbolizing hopes for a fruitful and sweet year, respectively. Another custom is tashlich, where individuals throw pieces of bread into flowing water, representing the casting away of sins from the previous year.
Rosh Hashanah is believed to signify the world’s creation and initiates a ten-day period known as the “Days of Awe,” concluding with Yom Kippur. This year’s observances will carry heightened emotions, considering that the anniversary of the tragic Hamas attack on October 7 falls within this timeframe, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and sparked ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Yom Kippur, recognized as the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar, involves fasting for roughly 25 hours, starting at sunset the previous evening. However, Jewish law permits those whose health may be at risk to eat and drink on this day.
Rosh Hashanah 2024 will commence at sundown on Wednesday, October 2, and conclude at sundown on Friday, October 4. The holiday begins on the first day of Tishrei, the month in the Hebrew calendar. Due to the differences between the lunar-based Jewish calendar and the solar-based Gregorian calendar, the dates of the High Holidays can vary each year.
Common greetings during Rosh Hashanah include “Happy New Year” or the Hebrew phrase “Shanah tovah,” which translates to “Good year.” Rosh Hashanah is not recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
Following Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur 2024 will take place from sundown on Friday, October 11, to sundown on Saturday, October 12. Unlike Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is observed more somberly, and it is customary to wish others a “have an easy fast” or a “meaningful fast.” Another traditional greeting is “G’mar chatima tova,” which conveys the hope of being inscribed in the Book of Life for good, tying back to the belief that one’s fate is determined during Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur.