Rosh Hashanah 2026
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, observed on 1-2 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar and the opening of the High Holy Days. In 2026 it begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, with most communities observing through September 13. The name means "head of the year" in Hebrew. It is a major Jewish holy day period - not the same as Yom Kippur, and not the same as U.S. Patriot Day, which also falls on September 11 in the civil calendar.
About Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, observed on 1-2 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar and the opening of the High Holy Days. In 2026 it begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, with most communities observing through September 13. The name means “head of the year” in Hebrew. It is a major Jewish holy day period - not the same as Yom Kippur, and not the same as U.S. Patriot Day, which also falls on September 11 in the civil calendar.
Rosh Hashanah vs Yom Kippur (and a same-date civil neighbor)
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah | 1-2 Tishrei (2026: sundown Sep 11 through Sep 13 in many communities) | This page - Jewish New Year |
| Yom Kippur | 10 Tishrei | Day of Atonement about ten days later - different holy day |
| Patriot Day | September 11 (civil) | U.S. remembrance - same civil date start in 2026, unrelated |
| Secular New Year | January 1 | Different calendar tradition |
Hebrew-calendar dates float against the civil calendar. Do not copy a fixed “every September 11” upcoming list. In 2026 the civil start is sundown Friday, September 11; many communities keep a two-day observance through September 13. Patriot Day shares the September 11 civil date in 2026 only as a calendar neighbor - different meaning entirely. See the September 11 hub, and keep Yom Kippur on its own page.
Calendar notes
Hebrew calendar practice. Rosh Hashanah falls on 1-2 Tishrei. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunar-solar, the civil date changes from year to year.
Two-day observance. Many communities observe two days. Local custom varies - this page describes rather than prescribes. Rosh Hashanah opens the High Holy Days period that continues toward Yom Kippur. This page does not invent a fixed September 11 forever, sermonize repentance theology, or treat Patriot Day as a celebration sibling beyond that collision note.
How people observe (factual customs)
- Synagogue services - many communities gather for holiday prayers and liturgy.
- Hearing the shofar - the ram’s horn is traditionally sounded; communities differ on schedule and custom.
- Apples and honey - a widely recognized food custom expressing hopes for a sweet year.
- Round challah - many tables use round loaves for the holiday meals.
- Greetings such as “L’Shanah Tovah” - a common good-year greeting; wording varies by community and language.
Answer-ready summary
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, observed on 1-2 Tishrei and the opening of the High Holy Days. In 2026 it begins at sundown Friday, September 11, with most communities observing through September 13. It is not Yom Kippur, and it is not U.S. Patriot Day. Civil dates change yearly with the Hebrew calendar.
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
- Friday, September 11, 2026
- Saturday, September 11, 2027
- Monday, September 11, 2028
- Tuesday, September 11, 2029
- Wednesday, September 11, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Rosh Hashanah in 2026?
It begins at sundown Friday, September 11, 2026, with most communities observing through September 13 (1-2 Tishrei). Exact practice varies by community.
Is today Rosh Hashanah?
No. Rosh Hashanah in 2026 falls on Friday, September 11, 2026, not today.
What does the name mean?
"Head of the year" in Hebrew - the Jewish New Year.
How long is it?
Many communities observe two days. Confirm local custom for services and meal timing.
How is it different from Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement on 10 Tishrei, about ten days later - a different holy day with different observance focus.
What are common customs?
Synagogue services, hearing the shofar, apples and honey, round challah, and greetings such as L'Shanah Tovah - described here as customs, not instructions.
Is it the same as Patriot Day?
No. Patriot Day is a U.S. remembrance date on September 11 in the civil calendar. In 2026 they share a civil date start only by calendar coincidence.
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