Rosh Hashanah

Jewish day of judgement preceding Yom Kippur (day of atonement), one of several Jewish New Years

Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה, literally "head of the year," Biblical: IPA: [ˈɾoʃ haʃːɔˈnɔh], Israeli: [ˈʁoʃ haʃaˈna], Yiddish: [ˈroʊʃ hɑˈʃɔnə]) is a Jewish holiday commonly referred to as the "Jewish New Year." It is observed on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The festival lasts for two days.

Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah
Official nameHebrew: ראש השנה
Also calledJewish New Year
Observed byJudaism and Jews; Samaritans
TypeJewish; Samaritan
SignificanceJewish civil new year according to the Hebrew calendar. Commemorates the creation of the world as narrated in the Bible. Beginning of the ten "Days of Awe" culminating in Yom Kippur.
BeginsStart of first day of Tishrei
EndsEnd of first or second day of Tishrei
ObservancesPraying in synagogue, hearing the shofar. Festive meals with challah. Auspicious foods such as apples dipped in honey, fish heads and pomegranates are often eaten, as well as new fruits on the second night. Refraining from work.
Related toYom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement."

Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim ("Days of Awe"), or Asseret Yemei Teshuva (The Ten Days of Repentance) which are days specifically set aside to focus on repentance that conclude with the holiday of Yom Kippur. The story of Rosh Hashanah is about Abraham and his belief in God when he was told to sacrifice his son.

It is customary to send "A Good and Happy Year" greetings on Rosh Hashanah to friends and family.

Years change

Jewish year and Gregorian year:

  • 5778 = 2017-2018
  • 5779 = 2018-2019
  • 5780 = 2019-2020
  • 5781 = 2020-2021
  • 5782 = 2021-2022

References change

  • "Jewish Holidays 2018-2019 | Hebcal Jewish Calendar". www.hebcal.com. Retrieved 2018-09-08.