Understanding Rosh Hashanah: Your Ultimate Guide to the Jewish New Year

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins Monday evening, September 22, starting the Hebrew month of Tishrei and the Hebrew year 5786. It commemorates the creation of the world and launches the Ten Days of Awe, a period of reflection leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Rosh Hashanah ends at sundown on Wednesday, October 24. Did you know that Rosh Hashanah is also observed for two days in Israel?

The Shofar: Wake-Up Call for the Soul

Known as Yom Teruah (“Day of Sounding the Shofar”), Rosh Hashanah features the blast of the ram’s horn. It’s like a spiritual alarm clock—calling us to reflect, reset, and remember that G-d is present in our lives.

It’s also not too different from the hidden messages you might find in a Pixar movie! Check it out!

Traditions & Symbols

Light Candles – at sundown each night, as with most Jewish holidays. (On the second night, light candles using a pre-existing flame, such as a candle lit from the first night or a pilot light on a stove)
Hear the Shofar blowing – sounded in synagogue.
Eat Festive Meals – families gather together for a meal each night
Serve Round Challah - to remind us of the cycle of life and G-d’s crown
Eat a New Fruit on the second night -There was a debate in Jewish law (halacha) about whether the second day of Rosh Hashanah, by its nature, warrants the Shehecheyanu blessing, or if something new is needed to trigger it. So, eating a new fruit is reason enough for reciting the Shehecheyanu on the second night and avoids any concerns over the debate.
Apples, Honey and more - eat apples and honey, honey cake, apple cake and other sweet treats for a sweet new year,
Wear New Clothes – wearing something new adds joy to the holiday.

Tashlich: Letting Go

This moving ritual involves tossing bread into a body of water, such as a lake, river or pond to symbolically “cast off” mistakes from the past year.

Taking Time to Reflect

Just like Mikkud on Shabbat at camp—our weekly time for reflection on ourselves, our Jewish values, and our plans for self-improvement—the Ten Days of Awe are one long Mikkud, as we think about what went well this year and how we can grow in the year ahead. We encourage families to create their own Mikkud time together.

Greetings for Rosh Hashanah

“L’shana Tovah” – To a good year.
“Shana Tovah U’Metukah” – A good and sweet year.
“L’shana Tovah Tikatevu” – May you be inscribed for a good year.

Meaningful and Fun Ways to Celebrate

Go Apple Picking – use freshly picked apples for dipping in honey and for baking. Check out these healthy and delicious apple recipes.
Bake a Honey Cake – or share one as a gift. Try out this recipe.
Round Challah – bake and braid a round Challah. There are so many easy and delicious challah recipes or just use frozen bread dough. Braid or shape it into a round challah.
Family Reflection – hold your own “Mikkud.” Choose a family value or other topic that leads to a discussion on how you want to improve in your connections as a family.
Send holiday cards – especially to seniors or friends.
Try Tashlich – take some bread and visit a nearby stream or lake to toss away your mistakes.
DIY Gifts – Decorate jars of honey to share with others.
Try a New Fruit – Try an exotic fruit you've never tasted before, like star fruit, dragon fruit, lychee or pomegranate. Say the Shehecheyanu blessing when you try something new.

Shana Tovah from Beber Camp

From all of us at Beber Camp, we wish you a "Shana Tova U’Metukah"—a year filled with sweet moments, good health, joy, and plenty.

Michael, Debbie, Stacy, Julia, Trudy, Harrell, and Nancy