Rosh Hashana and the Jewish High Holidays
Oct. 2, 2024
Updated Sep. 22, 2025 at 6:45 a.m. CDT
Introduction to Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, starts at sundown on Monday and continues through Wednesday evening.
It marks the start of the Jewish High Holidays, a 10-day season that ends with Yom Kippur.
The Significance of the Jewish High Holidays
Known as “The Days of Awe,” Judaism’s High Holy Days provide a mix of celebration, introspection and atonement for Jews around the world. The devout reflect about the mistakes and errors in judgment made during the past year. It is a time to forgive and to ask forgiveness from friends and family.
Celebrating Rosh Hashana
The Rosh Hashana is a time of prayer, but also of joy, according to chabad.org.
It’s a time for festive meals, which traditionally include fish, wine and an apple dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year.
Eating the first fruit of the season or preparing a dish not eaten at any other time acknowledges the newness of the year.
Traditional Foods and Practices
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year, according to chabad.org. It is a day of fasting from food and drink from sundown to sundown. This year, Yom Kippur will be observed from around sunset Oct. 1, until after nightfall Oct. 2.
The meal before the fast is traditionally bland, unsalted and light to minimize thirst. The meal to break the fast at sundown is often a breakfast of eggs, bagels and salty food such as herring dishes and smoked salmon.
Breaking News
Conclusion
Rosh Hashana and the Jewish High Holidays are a significant time for Jews around the world, providing an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and atonement. By understanding the traditions and practices associated with this time, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of these holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Rosh Hashana?
Rosh Hashana is the Jewish new year, which starts at sundown on Monday and continues through Wednesday evening.
Q: What are the Jewish High Holidays?
The Jewish High Holidays are a 10-day season that starts with Rosh Hashana and ends with Yom Kippur.
Q: What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, which is the holiest day of the year. It is a day of fasting from food and drink from sundown to sundown.
Q: What are some traditional foods eaten during Rosh Hashana?
Traditional foods eaten during Rosh Hashana include fish, wine, and an apple dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year.
Q: Why is it important to reflect on past mistakes during the Jewish High Holidays?
Reflecting on past mistakes during the Jewish High Holidays provides an opportunity for individuals to learn from their errors, ask for forgiveness, and make amends with others.
This article includes material from Dallas Morning News archives.
