How to celebrate Rosh Hashanah

In the Jewish calendar, the year 5787 began in September 2026! Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and it has its own calendar, which counts the years differently from the Christian calendar. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls in September or early October, and Jewish families come together for two days of celebration and reflection as the new year begins.

Celebration and Reflection

Rosh Hashanah is a joyful time, but also a serious one, as it begins the ten Days of Awe that lead up to Yom Kippur. Sending Rosh Hashanah cards is one of the many ways the festival is marked. One popular supplier of these cards is https://cazenovejudaica.com/uk/cards/rosh-hashanah. Much of the festival is centred on family and gatherings, but there is also a strong emphasis on reflection, prayer and making good resolutions for the year ahead.

Traditional Foods

As with any celebration, there are also specific foods that are eaten. At Rosh Hashanah, there is a focus on the sweet and good things in life. Honey is one of those things, and apples dipped in honey are a traditional way of wishing for a sweet new year. Pomegranates are also eaten, along with round challah bread and kosher wine.

The Shofar

There is also the tradition of blowing the shofar, a horn usually made from a ram’s horn, in the synagogue to welcome the new year and call people to reflection.