Rosh Hashanah 2023:
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls on September 25-27 in 2023. Rosh Hashanah, which means "head of the year" in Hebrew, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days - the ten days of repentance that culminate with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Rosh Hashanah is a two-day holiday, beginning on the first day of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar. It is traditionally believed to be the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a time to reflect on one's actions over the past year in preparation for the upcoming year. Central to Rosh Hashanah traditions and prayers is the shofar, a ram's horn that is blown in synagogue during morning services. The shofar blasts are meant to symbolize awakening from slumber and alerting people to their high holy day of judgment and repentance.
Families gather for festive meals on Rosh Hashanah, starting new traditions of eating symbolic foods for a sweet new year. Popular Rosh Hashanah foods include apples and honey, pomegranates, carrots, and round challah bread. Apples and honey symbolize the hope for a sweet new year, while pomegranates contain many seeds and represent the hope for many mitzvot (good deeds) in the coming year. Round challah and circular foods like carrots represent the cycle of the new year.
In the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, Jews traditionally perform teshuvah, the act of repentance and return. This involves apologizing and seeking forgiveness from those one has wronged, and reflecting on how to improve in the new year. During Rosh Hashanah services, Jews recite prayers asking God for atonement, forgiveness, blessing, sustenance and healing for the coming year.
Following Rosh Hashanah is a period of introspection and repentance known as the Ten Days of Repentance, culminating with Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, falling on October 4-5 in 2023, is a complete Sabbath of rest where Jews fast and pray for forgiveness. Together, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the High Holy Days - a time of solemn reflection, prayer, repentance and renewal in preparation for 5784 on the Hebrew calendar.
For Jews worldwide, Rosh Hashanah 2023 will be a meaningful time spent in prayer, ritual, and gathering with family and community. Wishing all who observe a happy, healthy, and sweet new year!