What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days (the Yamim Noraim, "Days of Awe"). Observed on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, it marks the start of a ten-day period of reflection and repentance that culminates in Yom Kippur. Its most famous custom is sounding the shofar (ram's horn) as a call to wake up and take stock of the year. It is both a celebration of a new year and a serious season of spiritual accounting.
What are the main customs of Rosh Hashanah?
- The shofar — sounded during services as a spiritual wake-up call.
- Festive meals with symbolic foods, especially apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year.
- Reflection and prayer — special liturgy centered on judgment, memory, and renewal.
- The start of the Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuva) leading to Yom Kippur.
How do I prepare for Rosh Hashanah?
Preparation is less about logistics and more about teshuva — turning, returning, and honest self-reflection. A simple, powerful way in is a short daily learning practice in the weeks leading up to the holiday: a few minutes on the themes of judgment, forgiveness, and renewal builds you toward the day instead of arriving cold. (See how to build a daily learning habit.)
In short: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the opening of the High Holy Days — a sweet celebration and a serious season of reflection, announced by the shofar.
Learn toward the High Holy Days with Derekh Learning
Derekh prepares short daily lessons in a voice that fits you — perfect for building toward Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Start learning or read what Yom Kippur is.
