Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and one of Judaism's holiest days, literally translates to "head of the year." It takes place at the beginning of the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. The seventh month is meant to symbolize the Sabbath, which is the day on which God rested after creating the world. Like many cultures' New Years, Rosh Hashanah is a time of celebration and joy, but it is also a time for introspection and self reflection as Jews look back on the year that has passed. During this holiest of Jewish holidays, a lot of time is dedicated to contemplating seemingly complicated but undeniably human concepts like "Who are we?", "How have I acted in the past year?" and "How can I be a better person in the year ahead?" The idea of tikkun olam, or "repairing the world," is considered as Jews pause to reflect on the role they play in their families, communities, and, on a larger scale, the world.
This year's Rosh Hashanah celebration is the start of the calendar year 5781. As with all Jewish holidays, it begins at sundown, and will begin on the evening of September 18. It lasts for two days and ends at sundown on September 20 (though some denominations only celebrate the first day of the holiday).
How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?
Many people celebrate Rosh Hashanah by attending services at a synagogue. At these services, a special prayer book for the High Holidays is read from and a Torah portion is read and discussed. Another special aspect of Rosh Hashanah services is the blowing of the shofar, a horn that is blown in various ways during the service (and the reason that Rosh Hashanah is known in the Torah as "the day of the blast").
On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, some observers participate in Tashlich — a practice where people throw bread crumbs into flowing water, symbolizing acknowledging and parting from the sins committed during the previous year.
To celebrate the sweetness of the new year, it is customary to eat apples dipped in honey, as well as challah — a specially baked in the shape of a circle to represent the roundness of the year.
Happy Rosh Hashanah and shanah tovah!
Want more Woman’s Day? Subscribe to Woman's Day today and get 73% off your first 12 issues. And while you’re at it, sign up for our FREE newsletter for even more of the Woman's Day content you want.
