Rosh Hashanah Literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Occurs the first and second of Tishri. This holiday is given to us in Leviticus 23:24-25 (Yom Ha Zikkaron: the day of remembrance or Yom Teruah: the day of the sounding of the shofar). It is custom to greet one another with "L'shana Tova; Ketivah vi-chatima Tova." in English: For a good year; You should be written and sealed in the good.

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the time when we reflect on the mistakes we have made in the past year and begin making changes to prevent them in the coming year (see Days of Awe) similar to the American custom of making a New Year's resolution only we have been observing Rosh Hashanah long before America was a country.

This is a non working holiday spent primarily in synagogue, using the machzor for the daily liturgy.

Tradition includes synagogue attendance, wearing white as a sign of faith and confidence that the Heavenly Father, in his abundant mercy, will bless us with a good and favorable judgment. (however, we avoid wearing new clothes on the first day, as this might lead to arrogance at a time when one is pleading for mercy), eating a variety of foods including apples dipped in honey along with a blessing for the L-RD to renew us a good and sweet year.