Rosh Hashanah · Day 1

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on the first of Tishri and opens the High Holy Day season. Its liturgy examines memory, responsibility and renewal; the shofar’s sound calls worshippers to attention and reflection. In Israel the festival is observed for two days and both are legal days of rest.

The holiday is both public and intimate. Families share festive meals, greetings and symbolic foods, while synagogues hold extended services. Apples dipped in honey express a wish for a sweet year, but food traditions also reflect the country’s diverse Jewish communities. The dates move through the Gregorian calendar because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar. The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, so this Gregorian date is for planning. Israel’s official annual calendar and any employer, school or municipal notice should be checked before fixed travel or work arrangements.

Israel’s two statutory Rosh Hashanah rest days are consecutive and begin with sunset on 29 Elul. In 2026 the first civil daytime is Saturday, September 12 and the second is Sunday, September 13. The first day’s coincidence with Shabbat does not create an automatic third replacement day: the festival continues on its second prescribed date. Government offices and many Jewish workplaces remain closed across both days, while emergency, hospitality and other permitted services may operate. Employees belonging to other religions may elect community holidays under applicable labour arrangements rather than assuming that Jewish worship practices define their personal observance.