Rosh Hashanah 2023 Marks The Start Of Judaism’s High Holidays

ACROSS AMERICA — Rosh Hashanah, one of the High Holidays for Jews around the world, begins before sundown Friday, Sept. 15, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, Sept. 17.

The beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection on the past year, as well as a time for communal gathering over special foods, traditions and mitzvahs, or commandments.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar and the pinnacle of the High Holy Days, is observed from just before sundown on Sunday, Sept. 24, until after nightfall on Monday, Sept. 25.

It is a day of atonement and fasting, introspection and prayer for forgiveness of the past year’s mistakes and positive changes in the future.

The High Holidays come to a festive conclusion with the holiday of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, a celebration of unity and joy from Friday, Sept. 29, to Sunday, Oct. 8.

Below are five things to know about the High Holy Days

Birthday Of The Universe

Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year,” and is also often referred to as “The Days of Awe.”

In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah is considered the sixth day of “Creation,” the day that Adam and Eve were made. Because of their creation, it’s also considered the day the universe’s potential was first recognized; therefore, it’s also considered the birthday of the universe.

Most notably, Jews will spend significant time in a synagogue or temple praying, listening to the blowing of the shofar, and reflecting on the past year. Also, there is a traditional trip to a body of water where bread is thrown, symbolizing the casting of sins into the depths of the sea, as referenced in the Bible. Other Rosh Hashanah observances include candle lighting in the evenings and desisting from creative work.

What’s A Shofar?

A shofar is a trumpet made from the horn of a ram or other kosher animal with the marrow removed. The central mitzvah or commandment of Rosh Hashanah is to hear the shofar being blown, often in a synagogue, and ideally as part of the prayer service.

Chabad.org says the Torah refers to Rosh Hashanah as the “day of the shofar blast.” Since Rosh Hashanah is two days long, the shofar is blown during the daytime hours of both days, unless the first day falls on Shabbat, in which case the shofar is blown only on the second day.

The Torah doesn’t specify why the blowing of the shofar is important on Rosh Hashanah; however, here are 10 reasons for this special mitzvah.

What Foods Are Served During Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah feasts traditionally include round challah bread (studded with raisins) and apples dipped in honey, pomegranate, and other foods that symbolize wishes for a sweet year. Some feasts serve parts of the head of a fish or a ram, expressing the wish that “we be a head and not a tail.”

It’s traditional to stay away from nuts as well as vinegar-based and sharp foods in order to avoid “a bitter year.”

What Happens During Yom Kippur?

Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is a time of prayer and forgiveness. It is a time for prayer and fasting, from food and drink but also other comforts and pleasures.

The day of Yom Kippur is spent in synagogues, where five prayer services are held. After nightfall and the last of the prayer services, congregants erupt in a joyous song and dance and the shofar is blown a single time, followed by the proclamation, “Next year in Jerusalem.”

A festive meal ends the fast, turning the somber Yom Kippur observance into a “yom tov,” or festival.

Are The High Holidays Always At The Same Time?

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur fall on different days every year because they follow the Jewish Soli-lunar calendar, which means months begin on a new moon and last either 29 or 30 days.