Between sunset on September 11th and nightfall on September 13th, the Jewish community celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of the year 5787 in the Hebrew calendar.

The holiday, observed on the 1st and 2nd of Tishrei, ushers in a period of reflection, introspection, and spiritual renewal. Its name means “head of the year” and represents an opportunity to reflect on the past year and renew one’s hopes and resolutions for the new cycle.

Among the main traditions is the blowing of the shofar, a horn sounded as a symbol of spiritual awakening. Family gatherings and ritual dinners are also common, during which symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey—associated with the wish for a sweet and prosperous year—are shared.

According to tradition, Rosh Hashanah is also the Day of Judgment, a time to reflect on the actions of the year that is ending. It is customary to exchange the greeting “Shana Tova,” which means “good year,” along with the expression “Leshana Tova Tikatev Vetechatem,” a wish to be inscribed and sealed for a good year.

May this new year be an opportunity to renew hopes and strengthen our wishes for peace, health, and well-being.

Shana Tova!