As the sun sets on summer and the month of Elul draws to a close, Jewish communities around the world prepare to welcome Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

This holy day—marking the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishrei—is more than just a celebration; it is a time of deep reflection, renewal, and reconnection.

Rich with spiritual meaning and family customs, Rosh Hashanah traditions are rooted in thousands of years of history. Each practice—from tasting apples and honey to hearing the sound of the shofar—symbolizes themes of forgiveness, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.

In this post, we’ll explore 10 beautiful Rosh Hashanah traditions and their significance, shedding light on the sacred symbolism behind each one.
 

1. Lighting the Holiday Candles

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown, like all Jewish holidays, and is ushered in by lighting two special candles, typically by the woman of the household. A blessing is recited, thanking God for the commandment to light the holiday candles.

Significance:

The light symbolizes peace, warmth, and the divine presence in the home. It sets a sacred tone for the holiday and marks the transition into a time of spiritual reflection and joy.

2. Hearing the Shofar (Ram’s Horn)

Perhaps the most iconic tradition of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, during synagogue services. The shofar is sounded in a series of blasts: Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, and again Tekiah Gedolah (a long, final blast).

Significance:

The sound of the shofar is a spiritual wake-up call. It urges listeners to examine their deeds, return to God (teshuvah), and start anew. The shofar also echoes the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac and the ram that was sacrificed in Isaac's place.

3. Tashlich – Casting Away Sins

On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish communities gather by a flowing body of water—like a river or ocean—for the Tashlich ceremony, where prayers are recited, and bread crumbs are symbolically thrown into the water.

Significance:

Tashlich represents the casting away of sins, inspired by the verse from Micah 7:19: “You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” It’s a powerful, physical reminder of the possibility of spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

4. Eating Apples Dipped in Honey

One of the most beloved and delicious customs of Rosh Hashanah is dipping slices of apple into honey. This treat is typically eaten after the holiday meal blessings.

Significance:  

The sweetness of the honey symbolizes the wish for a sweet new year. Apples themselves have historical and mystical symbolism in Jewish tradition, often representing the Garden of Eden and divine protection.

5. Reciting Special Holiday Prayers

Rosh Hashanah liturgy includes powerful and poetic prayers such as Unetaneh Tokef and Avinu Malkeinu. These prayers acknowledge God’s kingship, seek forgiveness, and emphasize themes of life, judgment, and mercy.

Significance:

These prayers help worshipers reflect on their actions and approach the divine with humility and hope. The mood is both solemn and uplifting, as individuals confront their mortality and pray for blessings in the coming year.

6. Symbolic Holiday Foods (Simanim)

In addition to apples and honey, the Rosh Hashanah table includes various symbolic foods known as simanim. These include:

• Pomegranates (abundant mitzvot)
• Carrots (increase in merit)
• Beets (removal of adversaries)
• Dates (end to bitterness)
• Fish head or ram’s head (to be a “head” and not a “tail” in the new year)
  

Significance:

Each food is accompanied by a pun or wordplay in Hebrew that expresses hope for a prosperous, successful year. These foods connect the physical and spiritual, reminding us to approach the new year with intention.

7. Wearing White or New Clothing

Many Jews wear white clothing on Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing purity, renewal, and a fresh start. Some also make a point to wear new garments and recite the Shehechiyanu blessing, which thanks God for enabling us to reach this moment.

Significance:

White represents a clean slate, aligning with the theme of repentance and starting over. New clothing adds a sense of joy and occasion, reflecting optimism for what lies ahead.

8. Greeting Others with Blessings

Instead of a generic “Happy New Year,” Jews greet one another with blessings such as:

• “Shanah Tovah” – A good year
• “Shanah Tovah Umetukah” – A good and sweet year
• “G’mar Chatimah Tovah” – May you be sealed in the Book of Life
  

Significance:

These greetings are more than just well-wishes; they express deep spiritual hope for a year of life, health, peace, and divine favor. They also help foster community and solidarity during the High Holidays.

9. Attending Synagogue Services

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most attended holidays in Jewish life. Many families who may not regularly attend services make a point to go to synagogue on this day to hear the shofar and participate in the liturgy.

Significance:

The communal prayers emphasize God's kingship and the judgment of all living things. It’s a moment of collective spiritual accountability and hope, binding the community together in shared purpose.

10. Reflecting and Making Amends (Teshuvah)

One of the core spiritual practices of Rosh Hashanah is teshuvah, or return. This includes introspection, seeking forgiveness from those we’ve hurt, and committing to do better in the coming year. It sets the tone for the Ten Days of Awe, which lead up to Yom Kippur.

Significance:

Teshuvah is the essence of Rosh Hashanah. It’s about recognizing our flaws, taking responsibility, and embracing the opportunity for growth and change. Judaism teaches that everyone has the capacity to change and improve—starting right now.
 
Bonus: Why Rosh Hashanah Traditions Matter in 2025 and Beyond

In an increasingly fast-paced, distracted world, Rosh Hashanah traditions offer an anchor—a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. In 2025, as many seek more meaning and connection, these ancient rituals feel more relevant than ever.

Whether you’re an observant Jew or someone exploring their heritage, embracing these customs—however small—can be a powerful way to connect to the past, your community, and your best self.

Final Thoughts

Rosh Hashanah is more than the start of a new calendar year. It’s a spiritual reawakening—a time for reflection, reconnection, and renewal. Each tradition, from lighting candles to eating apples dipped in honey, is rich with meaning and helps guide us toward a more intentional life.

As Rosh Hashanah 2025 approaches, consider bringing some or all of these customs into your celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, attending synagogue, or simply taking quiet time to reflect, these beautiful traditions offer timeless wisdom and peace.