Rosh Hashana Date

Rosh Hashanah: the Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah (“head of the year”) opens the civil year in the Hebrew calendar on 1 Tishrei, which lands in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. A Hebrew year runs about 354 days (12 lunar months), and leap years tuck in a 13th month. That's why the Gregorian date drifts roughly 11 days each year before the leap month pulls it back into place.

The civil year 5786 spans most of 2025–26, while 5787 begins at sunset on the eve of 1 Tishrei in September 2026. The customs are rich: blowing the shofar (ram’s horn), dipping apple in honey for a sweet year ahead, the Tashlich ceremony in which crumbs are cast into flowing water as a symbol of repentance, and the special Machzor prayers in synagogue.

Applications

Jewish families and communities lean on it to plan meals and synagogue attendance. Schools and employers use it to schedule around the High Holy Days, and organizations rely on it to coordinate the Yamim Noraim, the “Days of Awe”: 10 days of repentance that build toward Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

FAQ

What is the current Hebrew year? From sunset 22 Sep 2025 to sunset 11 Sep 2026 we sit in year 5786. By tradition, the count runs back to the biblical Creation.

Why does Rosh Hashanah last two days? Both days are observed even in Israel, where they're treated as Yoma Arichta, “one long day”. The practice goes back to a time when witnesses had to confirm the new moon.

How does it relate to Yom Kippur? Rosh Hashanah opens the Yamim Noraim, and Yom Kippur arrives 10 days later, when the year's spiritual judgement is “sealed” through fasting and prayer.