What is Rosh Hashanah? 

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated as the Jewish New Year, beginning this year at sundown on 11 September (the first eve of Tishrei) and ending after nightfall on 13 September. The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) on both mornings of the holiday (except on Shabbat), which is normally done in synagogue as part of the day’s services.  

What does Rosh Hashanah mean to the Jewish community? 

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, holds profound significance for the Jewish community as one of its most important religious holidays. Rosh Hashanah is marked in autumn according to the Hebrew calendar. This deeply meaningful time combines solemn religious observance with joyous celebration, offering an opportunity for personal and communal renewal (Tishrei is a month in the Hebrew calendar that is considered a time of renewal). It initiates the Ten Days of Repentance, also known as the Days of Awe, which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During Rosh Hashanah, it is believed that God judges all people and inscribes their fate for the coming year in the Book of Life or the Book of Death, a judgment that is sealed on Yom Kippur, underscoring the holiday’s weighty spiritual significance.   

How might people celebrate Rosh Hashanah? 

One of the cherished traditions of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar, a large ram’s horn that produces a series of 100 notes in a distinctive rhythm, marking the beginning of the New Year. Food plays a vital role during this holiday, with honey cake and slices of apple dipped in honey enjoyed to symbolise the hope for a sweet year ahead. Each evening of Rosh Hashanah, women and girls light candles while reciting blessings. During Rosh Hashanah, some believers participate in the Tashlich ceremony, where they pray near a body of water, tossing pieces of bread or other food into the water as a symbolic act of casting away sins. 

How can I support staff and students celebrating now, and throughout the year? 

No work is permitted on these days; therefore, some staff or students may request annual leave or absences. Where possible, try to be flexible and accommodating with these requests, while being mindful of the capacity of your school or service. 

The traditional greeting for new year is Shanah Tovah! We wish all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah a joyous and prosperous year.

The University Chaplaincy provides a place where students and staff are welcomed to reflect, explore and express faith and spirituality. It is a place to pray, to meditate and to meet others. It also offers help with spiritual, ethical and moral concerns. Chaplains of various faiths are available to anyone irrespective of their religious or spiritual beliefs. 

The Chaplaincy can also connect students with a Jewish chaplain on request.  

Jewish students can connect with others through LSU Jewish Society.