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Rosh Hashanah begins as Jewish communities mark 5787

cultureSep 11, 202624366

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5787, begins tonight with communities worldwide holding shofar calls, synagogue services, and festive meals. Observant households customarily eat apples dipped in honey and round challah to symbolize hopes for a sweet, whole year; several people shared recipes and cooking plans ahead of the holiday. The season is framed by teshuva, a time of repair and seeking forgiveness, and congregational liturgy asks to be inscribed in the Book of Life. Many worshippers noted last-minute preparations and travel plans as services approach, while some families described personal traditions such as baking raisin challah or apple cake. Large Hasidic pilgrimages were reported in Uman, Ukraine, where more than 17,000 pilgrims have already arrived to mark the holiday. Observers also pointed out that this year Rosh Hashanah coincides with the September 11 anniversary, a chronological overlap mentioned in multiple posts. Organizations and community leaders exchanged holiday greetings, for example StandWithUs sending Shana Tova wishes to those celebrating.