Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection, fresh beginnings, and gathering with family and community. The holiday’s name means “head of the year” in Hebrew. It begins on the first day of Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish calendar year, so its date on the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year. September 12 is one date it may be observed, depending on the year.

A New Year for Reflection

Rosh Hashanah is more than a celebration of the calendar turning over. It opens the High Holy Days, a period of reflection that continues through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Many people use this time to consider the year that has passed, think about how they have treated others, and set intentions for the year ahead.

Jewish traditions describe Rosh Hashanah as a time when people are called to reflect on their actions and seek ways to make things right. A sincere apology, a renewed commitment, or a kind gesture can all be meaningful steps toward a fresh start. The holiday invites people to approach the coming year with hope—and with care for the relationships and responsibilities they hold.

Traditions That Welcome the Year

One of the best-known Rosh Hashanah customs is hearing the shofar, a ram’s horn sounded during synagogue services. Its clear, stirring notes are an invitation to pause, pay attention, and reflect. The shofar is not simply a musical flourish; its sounds carry deep meaning in Jewish tradition and help mark the solemn, special character of the day.

Many families also share festive meals featuring symbolic foods. Apples dipped in honey are especially familiar: the sweetness expresses a wish for a sweet year ahead. Round challah, a braided bread often eaten on Shabbat and holidays, is sometimes shaped in a circle for Rosh Hashanah. Its shape can suggest the cycle of the year and the hope that life’s blessings will continue.

Other foods may appear according to family or community custom. Some people eat pomegranates, whose many seeds can represent hopes for abundance and good deeds. Traditions vary widely, so there is no single menu that every Jewish household follows. The shared meal itself—full of conversation, blessings, and favorite recipes—is an important part of the celebration.

Making a Meaningful Celebration

Rosh Hashanah is observed in different ways around the world, and practices may differ among families and Jewish communities. Many people attend synagogue services, spend time with loved ones, enjoy holiday meals, and offer greetings such as “Shanah tovah,” meaning “a good year.” The holiday is generally celebrated over two days, though observance can vary.

For those who want to learn about or respectfully acknowledge the holiday, a thoughtful approach starts with curiosity and respect. You might learn about the Jewish calendar, listen to a shofar recording from a reputable educational source, or ask a Jewish friend how they celebrate—without assuming that everyone observes in the same way. If you are invited to a holiday meal, your host can let you know about customs, food, or other details to keep in mind.

• Share a warm “Shanah tovah” greeting with someone celebrating.
• Enjoy apples and honey while talking about hopes for the year ahead.
• Take a quiet moment to think about one thing you would like to improve or one relationship you would like to nurture.
• Learn about the shofar and the meaning of its sounds in Jewish tradition.

At its heart, Rosh Hashanah brings together remembrance and possibility. Its customs make room for celebration, while its reflective spirit encourages people to begin again with intention. Whether marked with synagogue services, a family dinner, or a simple greeting, the holiday offers a hopeful message: a new year is a chance to grow, reconnect, and work toward a sweeter future.