Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Friday, October 1, 2027, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, October 3, 2027. Jewish days begin at sunset, so the holiday starts the evening before its first daytime date.
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year and is one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and gathering with family or community. Customs vary among Jewish communities and households, and not everyone observes the holiday in the same way.
When Is Rosh Hashanah 2027?
In 2027, Rosh Hashanah is observed over two days:
| Occasion | Date |
|---|---|
| Rosh Hashanah begins | Friday evening, October 1, 2027 |
| First day | Saturday, October 2, 2027 |
| Second day | Sunday, October 3, 2027 |
| Holiday ends | After nightfall, Sunday, October 3, 2027 |
The Hebrew calendar date is 1–2 Tishrei 5788. Local candle-lighting and holiday-ending times depend on location, so check a trusted Jewish calendar for your city.
What Is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” in Hebrew. It marks the beginning of the Jewish year and is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and community.
The holiday begins the Ten Days of Repentance, also called the Ten Days of Awe, which lead to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. These days are traditionally associated with considering one’s actions, seeking reconciliation, and making efforts toward personal and spiritual change.
Rosh Hashanah is sometimes called the Jewish New Year, but Jewish tradition includes more than one new-year date for different purposes. Rosh Hashanah is the new year for the Jewish calendar year.
How Is Rosh Hashanah Observed?
Observances differ, but may include:
- Attending synagogue services
- Hearing the shofar, a ram’s horn, when appropriate
- Sharing festive meals
- Saying special prayers and blessings
- Reflecting on the past year and the year ahead
- Spending time with family or community
The shofar is traditionally sounded during Rosh Hashanah services, except when the first day falls on Shabbat. In 2027, the first day of Rosh Hashanah is Saturday, so practices involving the shofar follow the relevant Jewish law and community custom. Ask a local synagogue or trusted Jewish calendar for details about services.
Common Rosh Hashanah Foods and Symbols
Food traditions vary across Jewish communities. Some foods are associated with wishes for a sweet or fruitful year:
- Apples dipped in honey: Often associated with the hope for a sweet year.
- Round challah: The round shape may symbolize the cycle of the year or continuity.
- Pomegranate: In some traditions, it represents hopes for abundance and good deeds.
- Other symbolic foods: Customs vary by family and community.
These foods are traditions, not requirements. A family’s holiday meal may reflect its own heritage, preferences, and customs.
Rosh Hashanah Greetings
A widely used greeting is “Shanah Tovah,” meaning “a good year.” Other greetings include:
- Shanah Tovah Umetukah — “A good and sweet year”
- L’Shanah Tovah — “For a good year”
- Happy Rosh Hashanah
- Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful New Year
If you are unsure which greeting someone prefers, a simple, warm message is appropriate. You might write: “Wishing you and your family a meaningful Rosh Hashanah and a good year ahead.”
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in 2027
Rosh Hashanah begins the Ten Days of Repentance, which conclude with Yom Kippur. In 2027, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, October 10, and ends after nightfall on Monday, October 11.
Exact observance times depend on location. For candle-lighting, service schedules, or holiday-end times, consult a local Jewish community or a reliable calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Jewish New Year in 2027?
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, October 1, 2027. The holiday continues through Sunday, October 3, ending after nightfall.
What Jewish year begins at Rosh Hashanah 2027?
Rosh Hashanah in 2027 begins the Jewish year 5788.
Does Rosh Hashanah last one or two days?
Rosh Hashanah is observed for two days in many Jewish communities, including in Israel. The exact practices and calendar details can vary by community and tradition.
What does “Shanah Tovah” mean?
“Shanah Tovah” is Hebrew for “a good year.” It is a common greeting for Rosh Hashanah.
Is the Jewish New Year a time for celebration or reflection?
It can be both. Many people mark Rosh Hashanah with festive meals and time with family, alongside prayer and reflection on the year ahead.
A Meaningful Start to the Jewish Year
Rosh Hashanah 2027 begins at sundown on October 1 and concludes after nightfall on October 3. The holiday welcomes the Jewish year 5788 and begins a period of reflection leading to Yom Kippur.
Observance varies by community and household. For local schedules, candle-lighting times, or synagogue services, consult a trusted Jewish calendar or local congregation.
Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a good, peaceful, and meaningful year ahead.
