Rosh Hashana 5787

The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah actually means “Head of the Year.” Just like the head controls the body, our actions on Rosh Hashanah have a tremendous impact on the rest of the year.

As we read in the Rosh Hashanah prayers, each year on this day “all inhabitants of the world pass before G‑d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court “who shall live, and who shall die ... who shall be impoverished and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.”

It is a day of prayer, a time to ask the Almighty to grant us a year of peace, prosperity and blessing. But it is also a joyous day when we proclaim G‑d King of the Universe. The Kabbalists teach that the continued existence of the universe depends on G‑d’s desire for a world, a desire that is renewed when we accept His kingship anew each year on Rosh Hashanah.

The festival of Rosh Hashanah 5787 begins at sundown on the eve of Tishrei 1 (Sept. 11, 2026) and ends after nightfall on Tishrei 2 (Sept. 13, 2026).

The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) on both mornings of the holiday (except on Shabbat, like this year), which is normally done in synagogue as part of the day’s services.

Rosh Hashanah feasts traditionally include round challah bread (studded with raisins), and apples dipped in honey, as well as other foods that symbolize our wishes for a sweet year.

Other Rosh Hashanah observances include lighting candles in the evenings and refraining from creative work.

Together with Yom Kippur (which follows 10 days later), it is part of the Yamim Nora'im (Days of Awe, or High Holidays).

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova Umetuka!

Candle lighting times in NYC:

- Light Shabbat/Holiday candles on Friday 9/11 at 6:54 (blessings 2 & 8) - Light Holiday candles on Saturday 9/12 after 7:51 PM from a preexisting flame (blessings 3 & 8) - Holiday Ends Sunday 9/13 at 7:49 PM

For your local times: chabad.org/candles. For blessings, please visit chabad.org/85432