Rosh Hashana is the holiday that celebrates the Jewish New Year. Contrary to the secular new year, that starts on January first, Rosh Hashanah begins during the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei and is celebrated for 2 days. Rosh Hashana literally means "head of the year" in Hebrew. Rosh Hashana celebrates the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the birth of mankind, and focuses on the special bond between G‑d and humanity.
During Rosh Hashana, many customs and traditions are practiced. The most significant symbol of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram's horn. The sound of the shofar is also a call to repentance; because Rosh Hashanah is also the anniversary of man's first sin and his repentance. Customary foods are also consumed during the holiday. Similar to most Jewish holidays, food is a significant part of celebrating Rosh Hashana. Families and friends unite for extensive meals that include traditional and symbolic food. Apples and challah bread are dipped in honey as a symbol of wishing for a sweet new year. During the meal, it is customary to eat the head of a fish as a symbol that everyone at the dinner table will be at the "head" and not the "tail"in their endeavors this year. Jews also have a custom to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season such as pomegranites, beets and dates.
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| Apple and Honey |
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| Shofar blowing |
