Starting at sundown on Wednesday, Jews around the globe will begin celebrating Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year.
Rosh Hashanah is set to commence at sundown on Wednesday and conclude at sundown on Friday. It signifies the onset of the Jewish High Holidays, a ten-day period culminating with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
This day ranks among the holiest in Judaism, falling on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which typically occurs in September or October each year. This year also ushers in the year 5785 according to the Jewish calendar.
Rosh Hashanah, which translates to “head of the year” or “first of the year,” is a period of reflection. It is commonly marked by prayers, traditional foods, and the blowing of the shofar, a horn made from a ram’s horn.
The holiday commemorates the creation of the world and initiates the Days of Awe, a ten-day interval devoted to introspection and repentance that culminates in the observance of Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are regarded as the two “High Holy Days” in Judaism.
During Rosh Hashanah, symbolic foods include honey-dipped apples, reflecting the desire for sweetness in the year ahead. Round loaves of challah, or braided egg bread, symbolize life’s cyclical nature, while pomegranates, with their abundant seeds, serve as a reminder of the blessings of the new year. Additionally, the head of a fish may be displayed, representing the start of a new year and signifying fertility and prosperity.
This year, the emotions surrounding Rosh Hashanah will run deep for many, as it coincides with the anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and sparked an ongoing conflict in Gaza. In the United States, the past year has been particularly challenging due to a rise in antisemitic incidents and divisive pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Many are mourning the loss of Israelis affected by the attack and the subsequent Palestinian casualties during Israel’s military response.
Across various Jewish communities in the U.S., special services are planned to coincide with the anniversary of October 7. In New York City, for instance, a service led by Rabbi Andy Kahn of the American Council for Judaism will cater to those who oppose Zionism and support pro-Palestinian causes.
Kahn emphasized his commitment to creating safe spaces for individuals who seek a Jewish life without identifying with Zionism, underscoring that many individuals, regardless of their background, desire Palestinian liberation without harboring antisemitic views.
Yom Kippur will be observed this year from around sunset on Friday, October 11, until nightfall on Saturday, October 12.