Rosh Hashanah 2023: Date, History, Facts about Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” is the Jewish New Year, beginning on the first day of Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish calendar. This year, the Jewish New Year will be observed on the Gregorian calendar from sunset on September 15 through sundown on September 17. In 2021, the two-day celebration will commemorate the beginning of the Jewish year 5782.

The background of Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is not mentioned in the Jewish holy book, the Torah, but appears in the Bible under various names. According to the evidence and extant texts, the holiday was well-established by the sixth century B.C. In 200 A.D., the term ‘Rosh Hashanah’ first appeared in the Jewish legal code Mishnah.

In the Jewish calendar, a new year begins with Rosh Hashanah on the first day of Tishrei, but for religious purposes, the year begins on the first day of Nisan. This discrepancy is due to the belief that God created the world on the earlier date. Rosh Hashanah is therefore not only the beginning of the New Year, but also the birthday of creation.

According to the Mishnah, in addition to Rosh Hashanah, there are three other ‘New Years’ on the Jewish calendar: Nisan 1, Elul 1, and Shevat 15, respectively. Every date has a unique significance and purpose for celebration.

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, also known as the ’10 Days of Awe,’ according to tradition, God passes judgement on all living creatures. During this time, it is determined whether a person will continue to live or pass away within the next year. God writes the names of the pious in the “Book of Life” and sentences the wicked to death on Rosh Hashanah, according to Jewish law. People have until Yom Kippur to repent by conducting ‘teshuvah,’ which will tip the scales in their favour. Observant Jews view Rosh Hashanah and the days surrounding it as a time for prayer, good deeds, reflection on past errors, and making restitution with others.

National Africa Civility Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Africa

National Cheese Toast Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Concussion Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Epidemiology

5 FACTS CONCERNING ROSH HASHANAH

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to consume a fruit you haven’t consumed in a long time.

Mogwai’s 20-minute composition ‘My Father, My King’ and Leonard Cohen’s ‘Who By Fire’ were inspired by religious liturgy.

Thousands of Hasidic Jews travel to Ukraine for the annual Rosh Hashanah gathering, known as “Kibbutz.”

This is one of the four Jewish New Years.

It is common knowledge that the horn of the ram blasted during the holiday is extremely pungent.

ROSH HASHANAH DATES

Year	Date	Day
2021	September 6	Monday
2022	September 25	Sunday
2023	September 15	Friday
2024	October 2	Wednesday
2025	September 22	Monday