Hashanah Archives - Today Beat

September 2025, United States: As the sun sets on October 2, 2025, Jewish communities across the world will welcome Rosh Hashanah 2025 — the Jewish New Year. For many, it’s a holiday filled with sweet foods, meaningful prayers, and the powerful sound of the shofar horn. But Rosh Hashanah is more than just another holiday. It’s a spiritual reset, a moment of judgment, and a celebration rolled into one.

If you’re wondering what Rosh Hashanah is, how it’s celebrated, or even what to say to a friend, here’s everything you need to know before the holiday begins.

When Is Rosh Hashanah 2025?

This year, Rosh Hashanah starts at sunset on Thursday, October 2, 2025, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, October 4, 2025. It marks the start of the Hebrew year 5786.

Unlike the secular New Year on January 1, Rosh Hashanah comes with reflection, traditions, and prayers that have been observed for centuries.

What Does Rosh Hashanah Mean?

The phrase “Rosh Hashanah” means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew. It’s the Jewish New Year, but it’s also a time of spiritual reckoning. Jewish tradition teaches that on these days, God inscribes people into the Book of Life, determining their fate for the year ahead.

This makes Rosh Hashanah both festive and deeply serious. It kicks off the Ten Days of Awe, leading to Yom Kippur 2025, the holiest day in Judaism.

Traditions That Matter

The Shofar Horn: Perhaps the most recognizable symbol, the shofar is a ram’s horn blown during synagogue services. Its piercing sound is meant to “wake up the soul” and inspire people to reflect and repent.
Festive Foods: Apples dipped in honey for sweetness, round challah bread for continuity, and pomegranates for abundance. These foods carry powerful symbolic meanings.
Family & Community: Holiday dinners bring people together, combining joy with prayers for health, peace, and blessings in the year ahead.

What Do You Say on Rosh Hashanah?

Yes — you can wish someone a “Happy Rosh Hashanah.” Traditional greetings include:

Shanah Tovah → “Good Year”
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah → “A Good and Sweet Year”
And if you’re not sure? A warm “Happy Jewish New Year” is always appreciated.

Is Rosh Hashanah Islamic?
No, it’s a Jewish holiday. Muslims and Jews use different calendars.

Does Rosh Hashanah stop Shiva (mourning)?
Yes. Holidays like Rosh Hashanah pause mourning rituals.

Do Jews and Muslims follow the same calendar?
Not exactly. The Jewish calendar is lunisolar, the Islamic one purely lunar.

Is Yom Kippur a Hindu holiday?
No. Yom Kippur is Jewish, not Hindu.

What is the Rosh Hashanah horn?
It’s the shofar, a ram’s horn blown during the holiday.

Do Christians recognize Yom Kippur?
Some Christian groups acknowledge its Biblical roots but don’t celebrate it.

Did Jesus celebrate Hanukkah?
Yes — the Gospel of John records him present during Hanukkah.

The Bottom Line

Rosh Hashanah 2025 is not just another holiday — it’s a reminder that life offers us all a chance to reset, reflect, and renew. Whether it’s the shofar horn’s ancient call, the sweetness of honey on apples, or simply gathering with loved ones, the holiday carries a universal message: look back, look forward, and embrace a sweeter year ahead.

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Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, and it’s more than just a Jewish holiday — it’s a spiritual reset button. Unlike the January 1 New Year’s celebrations filled with fireworks and champagne, Rosh Hashanah is about reflection, prayer, and judgment.

Jews believe that on these days, God writes everyone’s fate in the Book of Life. That’s why it’s also known as the Day of Judgment. The holiday is followed by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is the holiest day in Judaism.

Traditions and Symbols

Shofar Horns: The blowing of the ram’s horn is the most iconic ritual. It’s said to “wake up the soul” and push people to reflect and repent.
Food: Apples dipped in honey symbolize a sweet year ahead. Pomegranates are eaten for abundance, and round challah bread reminds people of the endless cycle of life.
Prayers: Long synagogue services focus on forgiveness, renewal, and blessings for the year ahead.

What Do You Say on Rosh Hashanah

Yes, you can wish someone “Happy Rosh Hashanah.” Other greetings include:

“Shanah Tovah” → Good Year
“Shanah Tovah U’Metukah” → A Good and Sweet Year

Is Rosh Hashanah Islamic?
No. It’s a Jewish holiday, not part of Islam. Muslims have their own lunar calendar and holidays.

Does Rosh Hashanah stop Shiva?
Yes. Jewish mourning (Shiva) pauses during major holidays like Rosh Hashanah.

Do Jews and Muslims follow the same calendar?
Not exactly. The Jewish calendar is lunisolar, while the Islamic calendar is purely lunar.

When is Rosh Hashanah 2025?
October 2–4, 2025.

What foods are eaten?
Apples with honey, pomegranates, fish head, and festive dinners.

Rosh Hashanah is not just a holiday, it’s a reminder that every year is a chance to start fresh. The shofar horns, sweet apples, and heartfelt prayers all point toward one message: hope, renewal, and a sweet new year.