Starting at sundown on Wednesday, Jews around the globe will observe Rosh Hashanah, welcoming the Jewish New Year.
Rosh Hashanah will commence at sundown on Wednesday and conclude at sundown on Friday. It signifies the beginning of the Jewish High Holidays, a ten-day period that culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This occasion ranks among the most sacred in Judaism, occurring on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in September or October. This year marks the beginning of the year 5785 in the Jewish calendar.
Rosh Hashanah, which translates to “head of the year” or “first of the year,” is a time for reflection and is celebrated with prayer, symbolic foods, and the sounding of the shofar, a traditional ram’s horn. The holiday commemorates the creation of the world and initiates the Days of Awe, a time for introspection and repentance concluding with Yom Kippur.
The traditional foods associated with Rosh Hashanah include honey-dipped apples, symbolizing sweetness and the wish for a sweet year ahead. Round loaves of challah honor the cyclical nature of life, while pomegranates, with their many seeds, serve as a reminder of abundant blessings. Additionally, the head of a fish, commonly displayed, represents the start of a new year and signifies fertility and abundance.
This year, many will experience heightened emotions as the midway point of the ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur falls on October 7, marking the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and sparked an ongoing conflict in Gaza. For Jews in the U.S., the second-largest Jewish community worldwide after Israel, the past year has been particularly difficult. Incidents of antisemitism have increased, and many college campuses have seen divisive protests related to pro-Palestinian causes. Jews have mourned not only for Israelis affected by the conflict but also for the significant loss of life among Palestinians during Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In various Jewish communities across the U.S., special services are set for the October 7 anniversary. In New York City, a gathering for those who oppose Zionism and support pro-Palestinian causes is planned to coincide with Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Andy Kahn, executive director of the American Council for Judaism, will lead this unique service. He emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces for those who wish to engage in Jewish life without identifying with Zionist ideals.
Yom Kippur this year will be observed from sunset on Friday, October 11, until nightfall on Saturday, October 12.