Rosh Hashanah Starts Tonight: Meaning of the Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of the holiest days in Judaism and marks the start of the High Holy Days. In 2025, the holiday begins at sundown on Monday, Sept. 22, and continues through the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 24. The observance is followed by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which arrives 10 days later.
For millions of Jews around the world, Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, celebration, and spiritual renewal. Here’s a closer look at what the holiday means, how it is observed, and answers to some of the most common questions people ask about this important event.
What Does Rosh Hashanah Celebrate?
Rosh Hashanah literally translates from Hebrew as “head of the year,” signifying the start of the Jewish calendar year. According to Jewish tradition, it commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the world and specifically the day God created Adam and Eve. For observant Jews, this is both a time of joy and solemnity, marking the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that concludes with Yom Kippur.
The holiday encourages both celebration and self-examination. Worshippers attend synagogue services, where special prayers are recited and a ram’s horn, called a shofar, is blown as a spiritual wake-up call. At home, families gather for festive meals featuring symbolic foods that represent hopes for a sweet and blessed year.
How Is Rosh Hashanah Observed?
Rosh Hashanah traditions blend religious observance with joyful family customs. Candle-lighting ceremonies are held in the evenings, accompanied by blessings. Many people also refrain from working during the holiday to focus fully on spiritual practice and family time.
Meals are central to the holiday. Apples dipped in honey are perhaps the most recognizable Rosh Hashanah custom, symbolizing the wish for a sweet new year. Other foods, such as pomegranates, which represent abundance, and round challah bread, symbolizing continuity and the circle of life, also hold deep meaning at the holiday table.
Another widely observed practice is Tashlich, a ritual in which people symbolically cast off their sins by tossing breadcrumbs into flowing water, such as a river or stream.
Is Rosh Hashanah a Federal Holiday?
Although Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays in Judaism, it is not recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. Banks, government offices, and most businesses remain open.
However, many Jewish employees choose to take time off from work or school to observe the holiday and participate in services and family gatherings.
What Do You Say on Rosh Hashanah?
The traditional Hebrew greeting for Rosh Hashanah is “L’Shana Tovah,” which means “for a good year.” A more complete version, “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah,” translates to “a good and sweet year.” These greetings can be shared in the days leading up to the holiday, during Rosh Hashanah itself, and in the days that follow.
Other common greetings include “Chag Sameach” (“happy holiday”), which can be used for Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish holidays. For those less familiar with Hebrew, simply saying “Happy New Year” is also appropriate and warmly received.
What Should You Bring to a Rosh Hashanah Dinner?
If you are invited to a Rosh Hashanah meal, it is customary to bring a gift. Kosher wine, apples, jars of honey, or pomegranates are all thoughtful and traditional options. These items align with the symbolism of the holiday, emphasizing sweetness, blessing, and abundance for the year ahead.
Guests can expect a holiday table filled with meaningful foods:
Apples and honey for sweetness.
Round challah bread representing God’s crown and the continuity of life.
Pomegranates for prosperity and good deeds.
These dishes not only hold symbolic meaning but also create a festive atmosphere for celebrating renewal and community.
A Time for Reflection and Renewal
Beyond meals and greetings, Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth. Many use the holiday to take stock of the past year, seek forgiveness, and set intentions for the year ahead. The prayers, rituals, and traditions of Rosh Hashanah encourage worshippers to renew their connection to faith, family, and community.
As the sun sets on Sept. 22, 2025, Jewish communities around the world will gather to mark the beginning of a new year, carrying forward centuries-old traditions that continue to inspire reflection, gratitude, and hope.