Rosh Hashanah 2025: Traditions, Security, and Global Observance
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, began at sundown on September 22, 2025, ushering in the Hebrew year 5786. The two-day festival marks the start of the High Holy Days and is celebrated with prayers, reflection, and symbolic foods.
Symbolic Foods of the Hebrew New Year
Ritual meals are central to Rosh Hashanah. Families gather around the table with foods symbolizing hope, renewal, and abundance:
| Food | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apples dipped in honey | Wishing for a sweet year |
| Round challah bread | Symbol of continuity |
| Pomegranates | Abundance and mitzvot |
This year, recipes such as ghee-roasted apples and pomegranate-based dishes have gained popularity, offering a blend of tradition and modern taste.
Shofar Blowing and Tashlich Ceremony
The blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, is a central ritual reminding worshippers to awaken spiritually. Communities also participate in the Tashlich ceremony, symbolically casting sins into flowing water as a step toward renewal.
Security and Public Closures
Amid global tensions, synagogues and Jewish institutions have increased security during the holiday. In Connecticut, over 20 school districts closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah, ensuring families could participate fully and safely.
Messages and Reflections
The White House and former President Donald Trump extended greetings to the Jewish community, emphasizing renewal and unity. Rabbis worldwide highlighted themes of resilience, linking the Hebrew New Year with hopes for peace and moral reflection.
