In the Jewish faith, Rosh Hashanah is the universe’s birthday, the day G-d created Adam and Eve, and it’s celebrated as the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah 5785, which represents the number of years since the creation of the world according to the Jewish calendar, begins at sundown on the eve of Tishrei 1 (October 2, 2024) and ends after nightfall on Tishrei 2 (October 4, 2024).

The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) on both mornings of the holiday (except on Shabbat). The shofar, a symbol of the Jewish people’s connection to G-d, is usually blown in the synagogue as part of the day’s services.

Rosh Hashanah feasts traditionally include round challah bread (studded with raisins), apples dipped in honey, and other foods that symbolize wishes for a sweet year. Other Rosh Hashanah observances include evening candle lighting and desisting from creative work.

Together with Yom Kippur (which follows ten days later), it is part of the Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe, or High Holidays).

Commonly heard expressions during the holiday are: “Shanah Tovah,” which means “Good year” (essentially “Happy New Year”) in Hebrew, and “Shanah tovah um’tukah,” which means “Have a good and sweet year,” expressing the hope for a year filled with both goodness and sweetness.

To learn more about Rosh Hashanah, visit Chabad.org 

*Many people of the Jewish faith do not fully spell out the written word G-d as a sign of respect and reverence for his holiness.