The High Holy Days are here! The High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, are holidays celebrated around the world by Jewish People. Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 15 and concludes at sundown on Sunday, September 17. Yom Kippur starts on Sunday, September 24 at sunset and ends on the sunset of Monday, September 25. Below is a quick guide to the two holidays celebrated in this month:
What is Rosh Hashanah? Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. On Rosh Hashanah, Jewish people typically go to the temple and spend time with family. Special foods are eaten on this holiday, mainly apples and honey, or challah and honey. These sweet foods are eaten in order to have a sweet new year. Sour and spicy foods are typically avoided. If you want to wish someone a Happy New Year in Hebrew, you can say “Shana Tova.”
What is Yom Kippur? Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish Sacred Calendar. It is celebrated by fasting and prayer. You start the fast on the sundown of the first day, and end it on sundown the next day. This day is meant to reflect on your sins of the previous year and ask for forgiveness from God and loved ones. This day is meant to start off the year with a clean slate. A meal is eaten at the end of the day with family and friends to break the fast. Wishing someone a Happy Yom Kippur doesn’t fit the theme of this holiday, so if you want to wish someone well on this holy day, here are some phrases to do so.
- Chag sameach (Happy holiday)
- G’mar tov (A good final sealing)
- Tzom kal (Easy fast)
The High Holy Days are very special for lots of people around the world. It is important to educate yourself on these holidays and to wish people well on these days of reflection and celebration. With that being said, Shana Tova, and G’mar tov!
