(Jewish Group) Here's what you need to know about Rosh Hashanah 2023 [View all]

Editor’s note: With the 2023 High Holidays upon us, we’re refreshing and republishing older stories about the holiday season for readers to enjoy with updated information. This story was originally published on September 5, 2019.

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar. Often known as the “Jewish New Year,” it opens the High Holidays season. Even many Jews who do not celebrate other holidays or observe other Jewish laws or practices still take off work and school to attend religious services and see their friends and families at this special time.

For anyone who is considering celebrating Rosh Hashanah this year, or is just looking to learn more about Jewish traditions, we’ve pulled together some basic facts to help you understand the meaning of this holiday.

When does Rosh Hashanah start?
Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew for “Head of the Year,” is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It takes place on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (September or October on the Gregorian calendar) for most traditional Jews, but only on the first of Tishrei for Reform Jews.

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