Literally meaning “Head of the Year,” Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar. It begins at sunset of Wednesday, October 2, 2024 and ends at nightfall of Friday, October 4, 2024.

Rosh Hashanah includes a service in the synagogue that begins with the sounding of the shofar, an instrument made from the horn of a ram or another animal. Attendees repent of their mistakes in the past year and resolve to do better in the new year. This holiday is celebrated with foods that include apples dipped in honey and challah bread. The food symbolizes the hope for a sweet year to come.

Introspection, repentance, and prayer continues for ten days (the Days of Awe) and ends with Yom Kippur.