Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days in Judaism. It is the Jewish New Year and begins on the first day of Tishrei, the Hebrew calendar’s civil new year. The High Holy Days, also called the Yamim Nora'im or “Days of Awe,” are a season of solemn prayer, reflection and repentance.
Rosh Hashanah begins a ten-day period that culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Jewish tradition associates these days with divine judgment and the hope that repentance, prayer and charitable action can help shape the coming year. Synagogue services feature distinctive prayers and the sounding of the shofar.
The phrase “High Holy Days” can cause confusion because it does not refer to every major Jewish festival. It normally means Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, although the surrounding period may also include related observances. Sukkot follows shortly afterward but is generally classified as a separate pilgrimage festival.
Rosh Hashanah is not simply a secular New Year celebration. Its liturgy emphasizes kingship, remembrance and judgment, while customs such as apples dipped in honey express hopes for a sweet new year.