Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and is celebrated on the first two days of the month of Tishrei. In 2026 it will run from the evening of September 11 to the night of September 13, marking the start of the Hebrew year 5787.

The day begins by remembering how the world was created. People gather in synagogues, pray, sing songs, and read from holy books.

One of the most famous traditions is blowing the shofar, a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. The shofar is played with different sounds: a long single note, three short broken notes, quick short notes, and a very long single note. It is sounded 100 times in total.

Did you know? When the shofar is blown, people hope their hearts will start fresh for the new year.

Food also has special meanings. A round challah loaf represents the cycle of life. Apples and honey are eaten to wish for happiness and health in the new year. Pomegranates symbolize abundance and good deeds.

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the 10‑Day Festival (the Days of Awe). During this time people think about the mistakes of the past year, express regret, and ask for forgiveness.

Yom Kippur is the last day of the 10 days, from the evening of September 20 to the night of September 21. It is the holiest day in the Jewish world. People fast for 25 hours, wear white, and stay away from makeup, perfume, and leather shoes.

The story of Moses explains the origin of Yom Kippur. After leaving Egypt, Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. When he returned, he saw the people had made a golden calf idol. In anger he broke the tablets, but God forgave them and gave new tablets. This story strengthens the themes of regret and forgiveness.

For children, these celebrations strengthen family bonds and teach values like empathy and respect. Eating apples and honey together to wish good things for the new year shows the importance of sharing and love.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why is the shofar blown? To clean our hearts for the new year and pray to God.
- Why is challah round? It shows the endless cycle of life.
- Why do people fast on Yom Kippur? To cleanse themselves inside and ask for forgiveness.

In conclusion, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are special times when families come together, remember the past, look forward with hope, and show love to each other. These traditions raise children’s cultural awareness and help them become more understanding people.

We look forward to discovering how these celebrations are celebrated in different cities and learning new traditions in the future.