Discover Rosh Hashanah: Unveil the Traditions of the Jewish New Year!

The celebration of Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” marks the Jewish New Year and the start of the new year in the Hebrew calendar. This religious holiday commemorates the creation of the world and the day of judgment. On this day, numerous traditions and customs are observed by practitioners.

What are the dates for Rosh Hashanah in 2025?

In 2025, Rosh Hashanah begins on Monday, September 22 in the evening and ends on Wednesday, September 24 at nightfall. The timing of the holiday depends on the sunset, and varies by city.

Why do we celebrate the year 5786?

Rosh Hashanah marks the year 5786 in the Hebrew calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar. Rosh Hashanah thus corresponds to the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.

What is the significance of Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year.” The Jewish New Year refers to the creation of Adam and Eve. Mentioned in the Bible as the “day of sounding”, Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection as it is, for practitioners, a chance to review the past year and set resolutions for the upcoming one.

What are the traditions during the Rosh Hashanah celebration?

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks a significant time of the year. It is also called the “day of judgment,” as according to tradition, it is on this date that God evaluates everyone’s actions and decides the coming year. At the synagogue, services play a central role. The Torah is read, and one of the most significant moments is the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn. This powerful sound, repeated numerous times, invites everyone to reflect, repent, and reconnect with what’s essential. Another widely followed ritual is Tashlikh. On the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, the faithful go to a body of water. They throw pieces of bread or sometimes stones. This simple act represents shedding the sins of the past year to start anew. Finally, on the first two evenings of Rosh Hashanah, families gather for a festive meal and dip an apple in honey as a symbol of sweetness for the year ahead.

What is served on the Rosh Hashanah Seder plate?

• Squash or leek
• Spinach or chard
• A fish head
• Sesame
• Dates, figs (for the “new” fruit)
• The pomegranate, with its numerous seeds, symbolizes abundance
• An apple dipped in honey for a sweet year
• Jujube (also known as Chinese date)

What meal is served during the Rosh Hashanah celebration?

Sweet and sugary dishes are favored during the Rosh Hashanah celebration. Apples dipped in honey, dates, figs, squashes, and pomegranates adorn the tables. Depending on customs, families cook a couscous, lamb and potatoes, or Tafina, a specialty made with stewed meat, prunes, wheat, potatoes, and eggs…

How do you say “Happy New Year” in Hebrew?

The expression “Shana tova oumetouka“, meaning “a good and sweet year,” is how Jews wish each other a Happy New Year. However, this is not the only phrase you might hear. Before Rosh Hashanah, Jews often use the phrase “Ketiva va’hatima tova“, or “Gmar Hatima Tova”, meaning “A good inscription and a good seal in the book of life”. As with all Jewish holidays, one can also simply wish a happy holiday “Hag Saméah”. The expression Shana Tova is indeed used throughout Rosh Hashanah and until Yom Kippur to wish a good year to loved ones.