Q&A for How to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated in the synagogue and at home for 2 days. Festive meals are served for friends and family.

It really depends on the family, most Jewish families would be happy to invite Christian friends or family into their home to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, and I sincerely doubt a family would turn a friend away from a unique cultural experience because of differing beliefs. When in doubt, just ask the family, there are no rules against hosting guests.

Some symbolic foods are round challah (to symbolize the endless circle of life), apples and honey (to represent a sweet new year), and brisket.

This is a sort of controversial topic because many people who are more religious would probably say no, but religion is all about what you believe, and what you want to do. It is a non-binding contract. If you don't have time for synagogue, that is totally fine and you shouldn't feel guilty about whatever you are busy with. Even if you just don't want to say all the blessings for the yom-tov, it's all up to you. So, yes, you can absolutely still celebrate Rosh Hashanah even if you leave a few steps out.

The Jewish New Year is strictly traditional, and does not come from the Torah. There are only three Jewish holidays directly commanded in the Torah: Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.

No. But you should fast on Yom Kippur. The rules for fasting are no food of any kind, nor liquid. Some modification is made for those who are infirm, elderly, too young etc.

The Torah is the first 5 books of the Old Testament, also collectively called the Laws of Moses. These books include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. To "keep" Torah means to abide the Laws of God as outlined in these 5 books. Jews are the major religion known to "keep" Torah and read from it weekly in their Synagogues. Many Christians believe that keeping Torah was done away with when Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) died on the cross and was resurrected. There are religious people who adhere to the entire Bible, both Old and New Testament, and in practice keep the Torah commandments.

It's not exactly a party, but a celebratory meal. Talk to whoever is having the celebration.

Many Jews eat meat dinners, like lamb, brisket, or chicken. If the Eve falls on Shabbat, the meal is eaten before sundown.

Yes. The hostess can place them on the table for the celebratory meal. Flowers are always appropriate for the Jewish New Year.

You can always send High Holiday greeting cards to Jewish friends and family members. If you want to give food as gifts, choose honey cake, apples, and honey for "A Sweet New Year." Just make sure the food is kosher.

Yom Kippur is on a different date each year; check on the internet for when it is in the exact year you want. Fasting is observed for 25 hours, from sundown on one day to sundown on the next. Eating and drinking is prohibited. Check the exact timings for start and finish on the internet.

It's best to give food, like honey cake, apples, and honey for "A Sweet New Year." Just make sure the food is kosher.

No, but some Jews work anyway. If Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, the Day of Rest, it's best to stay in the synagogue all day or rest when you return home.

Ask the people who invited you. I usually bring dessert, like honey cake, since it's part of having "a Sweet New Year".

There is a tradition to do Tashlich near a body of water containing fish on RH. One prays for forgiveness of sins, and at the end of the prayer a symbolic "emptying of pockets" is done as the sins are thrown away.

Actually, that is the biblical source for Rosh Hashana, and most laws are derived from that verse.

If she is religious she would likely appreciate being taken to synagogue. If it is not possible for her to leave, she may enjoy having someone come and sound the shofar for her.

Yom Tov is Hebrew for "Good Day." Many people say: "Good Yom Tov!" You'll usually hear it in the synagogues.

I disagree with this. The Shofar will be blown from Sunday to Saturday depending on the day that it falls on. No exceptions!

Absolutely! Rosh Hashanah is a High Holiday which celebrates the Jewish New Year.

It can last from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the synagogue you attend. Orthodox Jews spend the longest period of time in the synagogue.

You can say "Happy Rosh Hashanah" to your Jewish friend.

You need to find a synagogue with a rabbi you can talk to. It may take anywhere from a few months up to a few years, so you need patience.

Yes. Yom Kippur is the only holiday on which you have to avoid eating after sundown.

"Good Yom Tov" is Hebrew for "Good Day." You'll mainly hear it in the synagogues.

If your synagogue is too far away to walk to, then you have no choice. Orthodox Jews rarely drive to synagogue because they usually live within walking distance, since driving is not allowed on Shabbat.

There are several different blessings for the High Holidays, and you'll find them in the Jewish prayer books.

That depends on the branch of Judaism you practice. Reform Jews can choose to do whatever they want.

Judaism has festivals and feasts, just like all other religions, and Rosh Hashanah is both.