The evening of Friday 15th September 2023 marks the beginning of the Jewish year 5784, with the celebration Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year.

What is it?

Rosh Hashanah literally translates as 'head of the year', and lasts two days, beginning on the first of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which normally falls in the September or October of the secular calendar. Jews believe it commemorates the creation of the world - it is also the first day of the Days of Awe, or Penitence, a 10-day period of reflection and repentance. These 10 days culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, where Jews fast for 25 hours and spend the day in synagogue, asking God to forgive them for their sins and write them in the Book of Life as opposed to the Book of Death for the next year. Rosh Hashanah is a High Holy Day, meaning many Jews will take time off work and school, and not drive, use their phones or cook.

What are some Rosh Hashanah traditions?

Rosh Hashanah has numerous traditions and rites, which vary depending on families, observance and cultural background. Some of the most famous ones include blowing the shofar, a ram's horn, as a wake-up call for the new year; eating apple dipped in honey to signify a sweet new year; baking traditional honey cake, also to represent sweetness; and making your challah (traditional Jewish bread) round to symbolise the eternal cycle of life. The typical greeting is Shana Tova or L'shana tova, meaning 'for a good year'. People may also wish each other Good Yom Tov (Yom Tov, or Yontev in Yiddish, just means 'good day' or 'holiday'). Jews may also perform Tashlich, traditionally done on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, where they throw pebbles or breadcrumbs into flowing water (a stream or river) to cast off the sins of the previous year.

How is Rosh Hashanah marked in synagogue?

A special prayer book known as a Machzor is used for the High Holy Days. Three sets of prayers are added to the Rosh Hashanah service: Malkhuyot, which addresses God's sovereignty; Zikhronot, which recognises God's remembrance of past deeds; and Shofarot, in which Jews stand in nervous anticipation for the year ahead. Each section is ended with blasts of the shofar.

What does Rosh Hashanah mean to me?

To me, as a Reform Jew, Rosh Hashanah represents an opportunity to look back on and reflect on the past year, whilst enjoying good food and melodies with my family and community. It's a nice way to take a step back and consider all the changes I could make in my life, and a lovely time to reconnect with my family and loved ones.

N.B. Some transliterations of Hebrew words such as Shana Tova may vary.