Rosh Hashanah is the start of Jewish New Year. While the exact date changes, it is always in September or October.
On the two days of Rosh Hashanah, many people go to a synagogue (Jewish place of worship) to welcome the new year and pray for a good year ahead.
A highlight of the service is the blowing of the shofar, an ancient musical horn that is like a trumpet.
In the evening, families gather for a meal of traditional New Year foods:
A round challah bread stands for the circle of life.
Apples dipped in honey are eaten for a "sweet" year ahead, full of health and happiness.
The New Year period is 10 days long. It ends with Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement. On this day Jews are expected to fast (not eat) until sunset. While they fast, they think about mistakes they have made in the past year and pray for forgiveness.
In synagogues, the shofar is blown just before sunset to mark the end of the fasting period. Families gather for a "break-the-fast" dinner, which is often made up of Jewish breakfast-like comfort foods such as blintzes, noodle puddings and baked goods. Apples and honey are included in this meal too.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as Judaism’s “High Holy Days". This very special 10-day period is a time for forgiveness, prayer, celebration and also a time to be charitable to others.
Source: worksheetsplus.com/Reading/JewishNewYear.html What Is Rosh Hashanah? What Is Yom Kippur?
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