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Music to Listen to During the High Holidays
Listen to this selection of songs to help you get in the spirit of self-reflection, in preparation for the High Holidays.
Rosh HaShanah
Rosh HaShanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year, a time of prayer, self-reflection, and repentance.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh HaShanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year, a time of prayer, self-reflection, and . We review our actions during the past year, and we look for ways to improve ourselves, our communities, and our world in the year to come. The holiday marks the beginning of a 10-day period, known as the Yamim Nora-im (“Days of Awe” or “High Holidays”), ushered in by Rosh HaShanah and culminating with Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). Rosh HaShanah is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, often with prayer and reflection in a synagogue. There also are several holiday rituals observed at home.
Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on the first day of the Hebrew month of , which – because of differences in the solar and lunar calendar – corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian or secular calendar. Customs associated with the holiday include sounding the , eating a round , and tasting apples and honey to represent a sweet New Year.
Find Virtual or In-Person Services
Many congregations offer virtual High Holiday services and programs for non-members. If you are a member of a Union for Reform Judaism congregation and will be away from home, you can request seating at another member congregation.
Congregations Offering Virtual Services
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Nine Rosh HaShanah Foods to Prepare in Advance for a Stress-Free Holiday
Here are 9 Rosh HaShanah Foods for a Stress-Free Holiday
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Six Ways to Prepare for the High Holidays
Jewish tradition provides us with several reminders of the upcoming Days of Awe, as well as a number of ways we can prepare for them.
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Rosh HaShanah Videos
Learn about Rosh Hashanah, how to blow shofar, how to braid challah, tasty recipes, and more.
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Jewish Questions
- Can I Get Married between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur?
- Do Reform Jews Celebrate One or Two Days of Rosh HaShanah?
- I plan to attend Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services this year for the first time. Will I be expected to donate money during the service, like in a church service? If so, what’s the "right” amount?
- What Greetings are Appropriate on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur?
- What’s the Difference Between the Secular and Jewish New Year?
- Why do Jewish Holidays Begin at Night?
- Why do we eat a round challah on Rosh HaShanah?
Social Action Guide for the High Holidays
The High Holidays are a time of personal reflection and repentance and an opportunity to reaffirm the Jewish tradition’s longstanding commitment to tikkun olam (repair of the world).
What's New
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Creating High Holiday Memories for Children
Finding ways to make the High Holidays meaningful for your child is an important way to nurture their Jewish identity. There are many ways to celebrate at home, like reading books, making crafts, or discussing what the holiday means to you and them.
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613 Mitzvot, 613 Seeds: A Look at the Pomegranate’s History, Symbolism, and Uses
Why is the pomegranate such a prominent symbol of Rosh HaShanah and what are some other ways to use it?
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Feasting with Foodish: Persian Love Cake and Tishpishti Semolina Cake
The saying goes, "tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you who you are." Food is not only fuel for our bodies, it's also a conduit of culture, storytelling, and identity. The Jewish people know this well. Our culinary traditions have preserved our stories and history, from generation to generation.
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