Rosh Hashanah: The Head of the Year

When the sun sets on September 11, 2026, the year 5787 begins. Rosh Hashanah (literally "Head of the Year") is the Jewish New Year, but it is unlike the champagne-popping parties of December 31st. It is a time of deep spiritual introspection, judgment, and the crowning of God as King.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah marks the anniversary of the creation of the world (specifically, the creation of Adam and Eve). It is the first of the "High Holy Days" (or Days of Awe), a ten-day period of repentance that culminates in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

Tradition holds that on this day, the "Book of Life" is opened, and the fate of every person for the coming year is written. It is a time to ask: Who do I want to be in the year ahead?

When is it?

It is observed on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei.

• In 2026: It begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 13.

How is it Typically Celebrated?

The holiday blends serious prayer with joyous food traditions:

1. The Shofar The most distinct symbol of the holiday is the Shofar (a ram’s horn). It is blown in the synagogue like a trumpet—100 blasts are sounded each day. The primal, piercing sound is meant to "wake up" the soul from its spiritual slumber and call the community to repentance.

2. Apples and Honey To express the wish for a "sweet" new year, slices of apple are dipped in honey and eaten after a special blessing. Challah bread, which is usually braided, is baked in a round shape for this holiday to symbolize the cyclical nature of the year and the crown of God.

3. Tashlich On the first afternoon of the holiday, families walk to a flowing body of water (river, ocean, or creek) to perform Tashlich ("Casting Off"). They symbolically cast their sins into the water—often represented by emptying crumbs from their pockets—while reciting prayers from the prophet Micah.

4. "L'Shana Tova" The traditional greeting is "L'Shana Tova Tikatevu," which means "May you be inscribed for a good year" (in the Book of Life).

Rosh Hashanah is a beautiful reset button—a moment to clear the debts of the past and enter the new year with sweetness and intention.