Rosh Hashanah

Jewish holidays · new year · reflection

Apples and Honey. On Rosh Hashanah, families eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize hopes for a sweet year ahead. This tradition is one of the most recognizable parts of celebrating the holiday.

Ancient Horn Blast. The biblical name for Rosh Hashanah is Yom Teruah, which means "day of shouting" or "day of the blast." A special horn called a shofar is blown during services as a wake-up call for the soul.

The Ten Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, a special period when Jewish people reflect on their actions and think about how to be better. These ten days end with Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the year.

Autumn Celebration. This holiday happens in late summer or early autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, when many other cultures also celebrate the changing season. It's a time when the whole Jewish community gathers together.

First of the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days, the most important holidays in Judaism. It's followed by other meaningful celebrations like Sukkot and Simchat Torah throughout the season.