The Jewish New Year begins at sundown on Monday, September 22, 2025, and continues until nightfall on Wednesday, September 24. Known as Rosh Hashanah, it ushers in the Hebrew year 5786, a period of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and communal celebration. Across the globe, Jewish families and communities are preparing to mark this sacred holiday with prayer, tradition, and heartfelt hope for the year ahead.
The Significance of the Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah translates to “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, and it holds dual meaning: both a festive celebration of a new year and a solemn time of self-examination. It marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe, a period of reflection that culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
The holiday carries powerful themes:
- Renewal – looking forward with hope and optimism.
- Reflection – reviewing actions of the past year.
- Responsibility – seeking forgiveness and setting new intentions.
For Jewish people worldwide, the Jewish New Year is not simply about turning a page on the calendar but beginning a spiritual journey.
When Rosh Hashanah Falls in 2025
In 2025, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Monday, September 22, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, September 24. This two-day observance officially transitions the Hebrew calendar from 5785 to 5786.
| Event | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah | Sundown, Sept 22 | Nightfall, Sept 24 |
| Ten Days of Repentance | Sept 22 | Oct 1 |
| Yom Kippur | Evening, Oct 1 | Evening, Oct 2 |
The placement of these holidays reflects Judaism’s rhythm of sacred time, blending moments of joy with solemn reflection.
Traditional Practices of the Jewish New Year
The Sound of the Shofar
One of the central rituals is the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn. The shofar’s piercing blasts are meant to awaken the soul, stirring listeners to repent, reflect, and return to spiritual commitment.
Festive Meals and Symbolic Foods
Families gather around tables filled with symbolic foods:
- Apples dipped in honey – for sweetness in the year ahead.
- Round challah bread – symbolizing continuity and the eternal cycle of life.
- Pomegranates – representing abundance and the hope for good deeds as numerous as its seeds.
- Fish heads or whole fish – symbolizing leadership and prosperity.
Each bite carries meaning, reminding participants of the values and blessings they wish to embrace in the new year.
Tashlich Ceremony
On the afternoon of the first day, many communities gather near rivers, lakes, or streams for Tashlich, a ritual where breadcrumbs are cast into the water to symbolically “cast away” sins. This ceremony reflects a fresh start and cleansing of the past year.
The Spiritual Themes of Rosh Hashanah
Reflection and Repentance
Rosh Hashanah is about looking inward. The days invite people to consider where they fell short and how they can grow. Forgiveness—both asking for it and granting it—becomes essential.
The Book of Life
Tradition teaches that on Rosh Hashanah, God opens the Book of Life, inscribing people’s fates for the year ahead. The following ten days, culminating in Yom Kippur, allow individuals to pray, repent, and seek mercy before the book is sealed.
Community and Family Bonds
It is also a time for unity. Families gather for meals, communities fill synagogues, and people reconnect with loved ones. The holiday strengthens personal ties as much as spiritual ones.
How Jewish Communities Are Observing in 2025
Across the world, Jewish communities are preparing for a season of gathering and renewal.
- Synagogues will hold extended services, often filled to capacity. Many will incorporate live shofar soundings, Torah readings, and traditional prayers.
- Families are preparing meals rich in heritage, passing recipes and customs through generations.
- Public Celebrations in larger cities include outdoor Tashlich ceremonies and community events where people of all ages participate.
- Virtual Services continue to grow, allowing those unable to attend in person to join prayers and traditions online.
The emphasis remains on blending ancient rituals with modern life, ensuring Rosh Hashanah remains meaningful for every generation.
Safety and Security in 2025 Observances
In recent years, Jewish communities have faced rising challenges, including concerns about antisemitism. During High Holy Days, synagogues and centers often take extra safety measures. In 2025, many communities are:
- Enhancing security at places of worship.
- Coordinating with local law enforcement.
- Offering mental health resources to ensure worshippers feel supported.
These precautions, while necessary, have not diminished the joy of celebrating the Jewish New Year. Instead, they emphasize resilience and unity.
Greetings for the Jewish New Year
Words matter deeply during this season. Common greetings include:
- “Shanah Tovah” – A good year.
- “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah” – A good and sweet year.
- “Ketivah v’Chatimah Tovah” – May you be inscribed and sealed for good in the Book of Life.
These greetings are more than polite phrases—they embody wishes of health, peace, and renewal.
The Universal Relevance of Rosh Hashanah
While deeply rooted in Jewish faith, the values of the Jewish New Year resonate universally. Themes of renewal, forgiveness, gratitude, and hope are meaningful across all cultures and beliefs.
The holiday invites everyone, regardless of background, to pause, reflect, and begin again with compassion and purpose.
Cultural Expressions of the Jewish New Year
Beyond religious observance, Rosh Hashanah is also a cultural celebration:
- Music and Art: Many Jewish artists release music, writings, or art pieces inspired by the holiday.
- Community Programs: Schools and cultural centers host workshops on traditions, foods, and prayers.
- Media and Social Sharing: Social platforms are filled with greetings, apple-and-honey visuals, and reflections that spread the holiday’s spirit globally.
This combination of religious and cultural practices ensures the Jewish New Year remains alive in every generation.
Looking Ahead to Year 5786
As the Jewish world steps into 5786, hopes are high for peace, stability, and renewal. Families reflect on personal goals, while communities focus on resilience and togetherness.
Key hopes for the new year include:
- Greater compassion and understanding between people.
- Continued preservation of Jewish heritage.
- Stronger bonds among families and communities.
The themes of Rosh Hashanah remind everyone that the new year is a time not just to celebrate but to commit to building a better future.
Final Thoughts
The Jewish New Year is a sacred time of reflection, forgiveness, and hope. As Rosh Hashanah 2025 approaches, Jewish families and communities worldwide prepare to welcome year 5786 with prayers, traditions, and joy.
It is a time when the sound of the shofar echoes across synagogues, when families dip apples into honey for sweetness, and when hearts open to renewal. As the new year begins, each act of kindness, each moment of reflection, and each word of forgiveness carries the power to shape the year ahead.
How do you plan to welcome the Jewish New Year? Share your reflections and traditions below as we step together into year 5786 with hope and strength.