How many days till Rosh Hashanah?

How many days till Rosh Hashanah?

A summary

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year! Long ago, Rosh Hashanah day was based on observation of the new moon, and could fall on any day of the week. However, nowadays it has been determined that the first day of Rosh Hashanah never falls on a Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday. Rosh Hashanah occurs 163 days after the first day of Passover.

Pomegranates, wine, apple, honey, and a sofar (ancient musical horn) are typical symbols of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

Date and days to Rosh Hashanah

The calendar date and days to go until Rosh Hashanah are as follows:

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah, also spelled Rosh HaShanah, is the Jewish New Year and one of the most significant and solemn holidays in Judaism. The name “Rosh Hashanah” means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, a ten-day period of introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal that culminates with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

What is special about Rosh Hashanah?

Here are some key aspects and traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah:

• Date: Rosh Hashanah falls on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually corresponds to September or early October on the Gregorian calendar. It is a two-day observance, even in Israel.
• Shofar: The shofar, a ram’s horn, is a central symbol and instrument of Rosh Hashanah. It is blown as part of synagogue services on both mornings of Rosh Hashanah. The sound of the shofar serves as a wake-up call to spiritual reflection, repentance, and the start of the new year.
• Prayers and Synagogue Services: Special Rosh Hashanah prayers, including the “Machzor” (prayer book for the High Holy Days), are recited in synagogues. The Amidah, a central prayer, is modified for Rosh Hashanah to focus on themes of God’s sovereignty, judgment, and remembrance.
• Tashlich: On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish communities participate in a symbolic ritual called “Tashlich,” which means “casting off.” Participants gather near a body of flowing water, such as a river or stream, and symbolically cast away their sins by tossing pieces of bread into the water.
• Apples and Honey: A sweet and symbolic tradition of Rosh Hashanah is eating apples dipped in honey. This symbolizes the hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead. Other sweet foods, such as challah (braided bread) made with raisins, are also enjoyed.
• Round Challah: Unlike the regular braided challah typically served on Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah challah is often round. The circular shape symbolizes the cyclical nature of the year and the hope for a continuous and unbroken cycle of blessings.
• Fruit: In addition to apples and honey, other fruits, especially those with symbolic significance in Judaism, are incorporated into Rosh Hashanah meals. Pomegranates, for example, are eaten because they are said to contain 613 seeds, representing the number of commandments in the Torah.
• New Year Greetings: People exchange greetings and good wishes for the new year. The traditional greeting is “Shanah Tovah Umetukah,” which means “A Good and Sweet Year” in Hebrew.
• Dress in White: Many people dress in white clothing for Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing purity and a fresh start for the new year.
• Themes of Reflection and Repentance: Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection, self-examination, and repentance (teshuvah). It is believed that during these ten days, God judges each person’s deeds and determines their fate for the coming year. It is a period for seeking forgiveness, making amends, and resolving to lead a more righteous life.

Rosh Hashanah is a deeply spiritual and reflective holiday that emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, reconciliation, and starting the new year with a clean slate. It is a time for individuals and the Jewish community as a whole to renew their commitment to living a life in accordance with Jewish values and principles.

Frequently asked questions about Rosh Hashanah

More information about Rosh Hashanah can be found here.

All days and dates are based on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)