Rosh Hashanah starts today. Here’s what to know about the Jewish new year

(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement and the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Here’s what to know about Rosh Hashanah.

When is Rosh Hashanah 2024?

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 2. It ends at nightfall on Friday, Oct. 4, according to Chabad.org.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year,” observed on the first two days of the Jewish new year. This year, Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year of 5785. The Jewish holiday celebrates the birthday of the universe and “the day G‑d created Adam and Eve.”

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

Rosh Hashanah is often celebrated by hearing the sounding of the shofar, made of a ram’s horn, and Jewish communities gather at synagogues for prayer service.

It is also celebrated by lighting candles each evening, festive holiday meals, and a special repentance prayer recited near bodies of water known as Tashlich. The traditional greeting, “Have a good and sweet New Year,” is also used.

What are some traditional foods eaten during Rosh Hashanah?

Families celebrating Rosh Hashanah enjoy traditional holiday foods, such as apples dipped in honey, round challahs and new fruits.

• Apples and honey are eaten together to represent a sweet new year.
• People may also eat challah, a braided bread, in a round loaf to represent a cycle of the year.
• Pomegranate seeds also represent the 613 Mitzvot, or commandments, that are cited in the Torah, the Jewish holy book.