URJ - Rosh HaShanah

When does Rosh HaShanah occur? View the Calendar of Jewish Holidays

Rosh HaShanah (literally, "Head of the Year") refers to the celebration of the Jewish New Year. The holiday is observed on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually falls in September or October, and marks the beginning of a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance, which culminate on the fast day of Yom Kippur. These ten days are referred to as Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe or the High Holy Days.

While there are elements of joy and celebration, Rosh HaShanah is a deeply religious occasion. The customs and symbols of Rosh HaShanah reflect the holiday's dual emphasis, happiness and humility. Special customs observed on Rosh HaShanah include; the sounding of the shofar, using round challah, eating apples and honey (and other sweet foods) for a sweet new year.

There is also a customary service observed before Rosh HaShanah. S'lichot, meaning forgiveness, refers to the penitential prayers recited by Jews prior to the onset of the High Holiday season. It is a solemn and fitting preparation for ten days of reflection and self-examination.

Rosh HaShanah at Home

Tashlich Service (PDF) from Beth El Synagogue; Durham, NC. A service for the custom of symbolically casting away our sins.

Virtual Tashlich: This e-card allows you to virtually throw your sins away for virtual redemption!

WRJ High Holiday cards - Wish friends and loved ones Shanah tova with these cards and E-cards

The Jewish Parent Page and Holiday Happenings
Great ideas for celebrating Rosh Hashanah with your family.

Rosh HaShanah Blessings

Recipes for Rosh Hashanah - Sweeten your holiday meals with these recipes: JewishRecipes.org & Recipes from the New York Times

Activities for the High Holidays from Temple Emanu-El, NYC - These activities are meant to begin conversations around the table or throughout the days.

Text Study - Using verses from the prophet Nehemiah think about ways to share your Rosh HaShanah celebration.

Rosh HaShanah in Your Synagogue

Reaching for Holiness- Study guides for S'lichot, the High Holy Day season and Sukkot. Music workshop, text study, film discussion, personal evaluation, and more.

Social Action High Holy Day Guide (DOC 133.12 KB)- Incorporate social action programming into holiday practices.

High Holy Day Guidebook for College Campuses and Small Congregations- “How-to” guide including service outlines, programs, and sample text studies.

Communicate!- Extensive program and idea bank.

Torat Chayim- Essays on the Torah portions for Rosh HaShanah.

The Art of Torah Cantillation (Vol. I) - Learn to chant Torah in High Holy Day trope (pages 95-96).

Shofar Guide - Learn about the shofar: what it is, what it's made of and how it's used.

Learn to blow a shofar - This YouTube video teaches the basics of sounding a shofar.