What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope as we welcome a sweet new year together.

Observed over two days, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year and opens the High Holy Days, a period of introspection and spiritual growth leading up to Yom Kippur. This year, it takes place Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13.

Rosh Hashanah, meaning “head of the year,” is a deeply meaningful time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. It is both a joyful and thoughtful holiday, filled with prayer, community, and traditions that inspire personal growth and connection.

Celebrate with Jewish Niagara

Join us for Rosh Hashanah in a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.

Rosh Hashanah Dinner: Register by contacting us.
High Holiday Services: Meaningful, explanatory, and beginner-friendly services designed to be accessible to all backgrounds. No prior experience or synagogue membership is required.

Traditions & Highlights

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with meaningful customs:

Hearing the Shofar: The sounding of the ram’s horn serves as a spiritual wake-up call and moment of reflection

Festive Meals: Enjoy symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year

Holiday Prayers: Join community services filled with powerful and uplifting tefillot

Tashlich: A meaningful tradition of reflection and hope

These traditions each come together to create a powerful experience of renewal and connection, performed near water.

Recipes

Celebrate at home with traditional Rosh Hashanah Foods:

Classic Honey Cake: This traditional cake symbolizes hope for a sweet new year.
Honey Apple Cake: This moist and delicious cake combines apples and honey, two traditional foods that represent good wishes for a sweet and healthy New Year!
Round Challah: Here's how to make the most delicious challah loaves for Shabbat. This is the recipe you will come back to again and again!

Click here for more recipes