Rosh Hashanah

L'Shanah Tovah! Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, beginning the High Holy Days. It's a time of reflection, prayer, and eating symbolic foods like apples and honey for a sweet new year.

rosh-hashanahjewishSeptembernew-yearreligiousholy-daystradition

Rosh Hashanah - L'Shanah Tovah! Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, beginning the High Holy Days. It's a time of reflection, prayer, and eating symbolic foods like apples and honey for a sweet new year.

About Rosh Hashanah

L'Shanah Tovah! Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, beginning the High Holy Days. It's a time of reflection, prayer, and eating symbolic foods like apples and honey for a sweet new year.

History & origins

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the opening of the High Holy Days, observed on 1-2 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar. Its roots are ancient: Jewish tradition identifies it as a day of remembrance and divine judgment, while rabbinic sources describe it as one of several new-year markers in the Jewish calendar. The holiday is observed in Jewish communities worldwide, with the shofar, prayer, and symbolic foods such as apples and honey becoming central customs.

Why it matters

Rosh Hashanah begins a period of reflection that leads into Yom Kippur, so it shapes the most spiritually significant season of the Jewish year. It also brings families and communities together around worship, repentance, and hope for a sweet new year, making it both a religious milestone and a major cultural tradition.

How to celebrate

Attend synagogue services. Hear the shofar (ram's horn). Eat apples dipped in honey. Reflect on the past year. Set intentions for the new year. Wish others 'L'Shanah Tovah' (Happy New Year).

Facts

Rosh Hashanah means 'head of the year' in Hebrew
It's celebrated for two days
The shofar is blown 100 times during services
Round challah symbolizes the cycle of the year
It begins the Ten Days of Repentance leading to Yom Kippur

Upcoming dates

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Thursday, September 23, 2027
Saturday, September 23, 2028
Sunday, September 23, 2029
Monday, September 23, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is Rosh Hashanah in 2026?

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 23, 2026, and continues through September 25, 2026. The exact observance spans two days in most communities.

What does Rosh Hashanah mean?

Rosh Hashanah means "head of the year" in Hebrew. It is the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days.

Who started Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah was not started by a single founder. It comes from ancient Jewish tradition and biblical calendar practice, later shaped by rabbinic law and custom.

How do you celebrate Rosh Hashanah?

Common ways to celebrate include synagogue services, hearing the shofar, eating apples dipped in honey, and sharing round challah. Many people also spend time reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the one ahead.

Is Rosh Hashanah the same as Yom Kippur?

No, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are different holy days. Rosh Hashanah begins the Ten Days of Repentance, and Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement that concludes that period.

Help others discover this day by sharing it.

Explore more

Full calendar More Holiday days All categories Home

Related days

Labor Day

Celebrate the contributions of workers and the labor movement on Labor Day! This federal holiday honors the achievements of American workers and their role in building the nation's strength and prosperity. From its origins in the labor movement to modern celebrations, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and recognizes the dignity of work.

National Constitution Day

Celebrate the foundation of American democracy on National Constitution Day! Commemorating the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, this day honors the document that established our government and protects our rights. Learn about constitutional principles and civic responsibility.

National Gold Star Mother's Day

Honor the mothers who have lost children serving in the US military on National Gold Star Mother's Day. This solemn observance recognizes their sacrifice and provides support to families who have given so much for our country.

National Public Lands Day

Celebrate America's natural treasures on National Public Lands Day! This day encourages volunteering to help maintain and improve public lands including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Connect with nature and preserve these spaces for future generations.

Passover

Observe Passover, the Jewish celebration of freedom! This eight-day festival commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. Families gather for Seder meals, retelling the liberation story and sharing symbolic foods that represent the journey to freedom.