Jewish communities worldwide will soon observe the High Holy Days, with Rosh Hashanah marking the beginning of this significant period. Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year, involves various customs, including attending synagogue services to hear the shofar, a traditional ram’s horn, as well as the practice of eating apples and honey, symbolizing hopes for a fruitful and sweet year.
A notable ritual during Rosh Hashanah is tashlich, where individuals symbolically cast off sins by throwing bread into flowing water. This holiday is regarded as the date of the world’s creation, initiating the “Days of Awe,” a ten-day span leading up to Yom Kippur, the holiest and most solemn day on the Jewish calendar.
This year’s observance carries greater emotional significance, as it coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack that resulted in the loss of 1,200 Israeli lives and continues to influence the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Yom Kippur, following Rosh Hashanah, involves a fast lasting approximately 25 hours, starting at sundown the night before. However, those whose health may be compromised by fasting are exempt and encouraged to eat and drink.
In 2024, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on October 2 and concludes at sundown on October 4, corresponding with the Hebrew month of Tishrei. While the Jewish calendar is lunar-based, the dates for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are consistent each year.
Common greetings for Rosh Hashanah include “Happy New Year,” or the Hebrew phrase “Shanah tovah,” meaning “Good year.” Rosh Hashanah is not a federal holiday in the United States.
Looking ahead, Yom Kippur in 2024 will begin at sundown on October 11 and end at sundown on October 12. Appropriate phrases for Yom Kippur include “have an easy fast” or “meaningful fast,” acknowledging the challenging nature of fasting. Another traditional greeting is “G’mar chatima tova,” which translates to “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for good,” reflecting the belief that one’s fate is determined on Rosh Hashanah and finalized on Yom Kippur.