Feast and blow the Shofar and hear about all the symbolism of this very special Holy Day found in Leviticus 23 this year on the evening of September 11, 2026 at sundown. Not only is it the commemoration of the creation of the world but it is also the prophetic day of Trumpeting that Messiah will come on in the future!
Adonai said to Moshe, “Tell the people of Isra’el: ‘The designated times of Adonai which you are to proclaim as holy convocations are my designated times… (Lev. 23:1)
23 …Adonai said to Moshe, 24 “Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘In the seventh month, the first of the month is to be for you a day of complete rest for remembering, a holy convocation announced with blasts on the shofar. 25 Do not do any kind of ordinary work, and bring an offering made by fire to Adonai.’”
Rosh Hashanah 2026
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Friday, September 11th, 2025 and goes through Shabbat of September 12th
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah, literally the “head of the year” is the Jewish New Year. It is a time of inner renewal and divine atonement. Watch this short video for a quick introduction to Rosh Hashanah.
What foods do we eat on Rosh Hashanah?
It is customary to have big feasts on both nights of Rosh Hashanah and there are thus a plethora of customary dishes, including: honey cake, brisket, tzimmes and more Rosh Hashanah recipes.
The Traditional Greeting:
On Rosh Hashanah eve, we say “Leshana tovah tikatev v’tichatem” (לשנה טובה תכתב ותחתם), meaning “May you be written and sealed for a good year.” recognizing that our names are being inscribed in the book of Life at this time for a good year ahead and will be sealed in the Book of Life on Yom Kippur… thus we begin the 10 days of awe also at this time.
Rosh Hashana readings:
On Shabbat we traditionally read Bereshit 21:1-34 & Bamidbar 29:1-6. Then the following day read Bereshit 22:1-24 & Bamidbar 29:1-6. Haftarah readings also include I Samuel 1:1-2:10; and Jeremiah 31:1-19
What are some Rosh Hashanah practices?
The 5 “T’s” of Yom Teruah…. Trumpeting, Teshuva, Tefillah, Tzadakah, and Tashlich!
One of the common practices of Rosh Hashanah is attending the High Holy Day services, where the shofar can be heard “trumpeting” 100 Teruah and Takia and Shevarim blasts.
Focus on service to God “avodah Hashem” in these days is also stated in the liturgy of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, as fulfilled by teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah. These are commonly rendered in English as repentance, prayer and charity.
Many people also go to a Tashlich service where they throw bread crumbs into a naturally running body of water as a means of casting away their sins. On the second night of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to eat a new fruit, a symbol of newness. (for more info on this see our free download on our Tashlich service)
Teshuvah emphasizes not the idea of return in that it is the renewing of the essential union between the soul and its source, a union which was temporarily in abeyance through sin. In other words, through teshuvah, we reveal and renew our true self and reassert the soul’s mastery over the body.
“Tefillah,” means union with God. In contrast to “prayer,” with its emphasis on G‑d fulfilling one’s request, tefillah stresses man’s striving to achieve union with God.
“Tzedakah” instead of only connoting benevolence and charity, it really is the idea of justice on a deeper level — that it is only right and just that one gives tzedakah. There are two reasons for this: One, is that a person is obligated to give to another, for the money is not his own. God has given the money to him on trust, for the purpose of giving it to others… and Secondly, God is not beholden to man, yet gives him what he needs. Thus we must act in the same way, in fact we are obligated to: we must give to others although not beholden to them and in return, God rewards us in like manner. Because we have transcended the natural egoic instinct and given when not beholden, God in turn grants us more than we are otherwise worthy of receiving.
Thus the true Jewish meaning of teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah, is about us returning to our true Higher Self — teshuvah; is our achieving union with God — tefillah; our acting justly — and tzedakah connecting us with God’s selfless love as we open ourselves to be a conduit of giving what each needs. When God’s people perform these services in the Ten Days of Repentance, then, notwithstanding the good granted on Rosh HaShanah, God gives yet more on Yom Kippur and in the year ahead!
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Rosh Hashanah Congregational ReadingS…
A Service of Awe, Renewal, Trust, and Blessing
Leader:
As we enter this new year, let us pause and become conscious of the holiness of this moment. A year has passed, and a new year has begun. Let us remember that every day is a gift, every breath is an opportunity, and every moment gives us the possibility of returning to the Creator and renewing our lives.
The Awe of the Day — U’Netaneh Tokef
Leader:
Let us proclaim the holiness of this day, for it is awesome and filled with awe. On this day, Your sovereignty is exalted; Your throne is established in lovingkindness, and You sit upon it in truth.
You are the One who sees the beginning and the end. You know the deepest places of every soul and the paths upon which each of us walks.
On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed:
Who shall live and who shall die;
who shall reach the end of their days and who shall not;
who shall have peace and who shall experience suffering;
who shall be secure and who shall wander;
who shall have tranquility and who shall be troubled.
Congregation:
But repentance, prayer, and righteousness can transform the severity of the decree.
Leader:
Therefore, let this holy day awaken us.
May we examine our hearts.
May we turn away from what separates us from God.
May we repair what we have damaged.
May we forgive those who have wounded us.
May we ask forgiveness from those whom we have wounded.
May we return to the path of truth, compassion, righteousness, and love.
Do Not Fear — Al Tira
Leader:
As we enter an unknown year, we do not know everything that lies ahead. But we are not called to live in fear.
Congregation:
Do not fear, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I strengthen you.
I help you.
I uphold you with My righteous hand.
Leader:
When we hear difficult news, may we not surrender our peace.
Congregation:
Our hearts shall be steadfast, trusting in God.
Leader:
When circumstances change, may our faith remain steady.
Congregation:
We will not fear, because the Creator is with us.
Leader:
May we remember that fear does not have to determine our future. We can meet uncertainty with faith, wisdom, courage, and trust.
Aleinu — Remembering the One
Leader:
Let us remember before Whom we stand.
We bow, we give thanks, and we acknowledge the Sovereign of all existence, the Holy One, blessed be He.
Let us remember this day and take it deeply into our hearts:
Congregation:
The LORD is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath; there is none else.
Leader:
There is one Source behind all existence.
One Creator.
One Life.
One Divine Presence.
May we therefore move beyond the illusion that we are isolated and separate beings, concerned only with ourselves.
May our consciousness expand.
May we recognize the sacredness of every human being and the responsibility we have toward one another.
May our lives become an expression of the Divine goodness that gives life to all.
A Prayer for Renewal — The New Moon
Leader:
Just as the moon disappears and is renewed, may we also experience renewal.
May the Creator renew this month for us for goodness and for blessing.
May this new beginning bring:
Congregation:
Life and peace.
Joy and gladness.
Blessing and prosperity.
Health and strength.
Wisdom and understanding.
Love and compassion.
Deliverance and consolation.
Abundance and contentment.
Leader:
May we be renewed in our minds.
Congregation:
May our thoughts become clearer.
Leader:
May we be renewed in our hearts.
Congregation:
May our hearts become more compassionate.
Leader:
May we be renewed in our relationships.
Congregation:
May we become instruments of peace and reconciliation.
Leader:
May we be renewed in our service to God.
Congregation:
May our lives bring honor to the One who gives us life.
Amen!
Yom teruah songs
Songs to bring joy to your heart on Yah’s Day of Trumpeting!
We hope this teaching and instruction blesses you in your spiritual understanding and growth!
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Torah Parashah teaching with video and audio and illustrations by Rabbi Isaac. © Assembly of Called-Out Believers. Use by Permission.
Website: www.CalledOutBelievers.org.
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