Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days which end on Yom Kippur. It comes 163 days after the first day of Passover. That can be anywhere from September 5 to October 5.
Shanah tovah”
“Good Year”
Rosh Hashanah in New York City
Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year 5785, is from sundown on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 to sundown on Friday, October 4, 2024. “Shanah Tova.”
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the traditional day when God created Adam and Eve. According to tradition, the world was created on Saturday night, October 6, 3761 BCE. This is according to Maimonides, the Córdoba Spanish-born Sephardic scientist, physician, philosopher, author of the Mishneh Torah, and Nagid (leader) of Egypt’s Jewish community (ca. 1135-1138 – 1204).
It is celebrated at home and in synagogue.
Traditions vary between Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and even in regional practice. The most important tradition is to hear the sound of the Shofar (a ram’s horn) on Rosh Hashanah mornings. For this we go to synagogue.
Some traditions practice Tashlikh, the ritual casting of sins into water. Some of us walk to flowing water and empty our pockets into the river. Some of us put small pieces of bread in our pockets beforehand to enhance the symbolism. In the evening, women light candles and recite blessings.
Rosh Hashanah is a holiday feast. We eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize our wishes for a sweet new year. The many seeds of pomegranates symbolize fruitful wishes.