For the past several years, I have celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
It all began when my family lived in Jerusalem and I got to see the holiday up close.
At Mahane Yehuda, one of the city’s bustling market, the atmosphere was electric. Stalls overflowed with pomegranates, bakers sold round challah loaves, and everywhere you turned, there were kids running and laughing. The Hebrew phrase, “Shanah Tovah,” meaning “a good year,” was exchanged by friends and strangers alike. I loved being a part of it!
The Bible doesn’t say a lot about Rosh Hashanah, but it says enough that you can be sure this is a holiday that Jesus Christ celebrated. We read:
“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”
—Leviticus 23:24–25
“And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.”
—Numbers 29:1 (KJV)
Because the Jewish calendar is lunar, Rosh Hashanah falls on different dates each year, but it’s always in the fall. In 2025, it will begin on the evening of September 22.
Rosh Hashanah is a time for celebration and new beginnings. Over the years, many beautiful traditions have developed around this holiday. Families gather for festive meals, often including apples dipped in honey (for a “sweet new year”), round challah bread (symbolizing the cycle of time), and pomegranates (filled with seeds that represent fruitfulness and abundance). The sounding of the shofar—a ram’s horn—reminds worshippers of renewal and repentance.
In our home, we love to join in some of these traditions. To be clear, we’re really simple–we eat some apples and honey, and take some time to talk about new beginnings. What do we want to change in our lives? Where do we want to grow this coming year?
We also enjoy watching a video or two that gives a glimpse into modern Jewish culture and the joy of Rosh Hashanah. It’s a beautiful reminder that God delights in new seasons, fresh starts, and joyful celebrations.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and at least watch this first one: 👇
Shanah Tovah!
