Rosh Hashanah, literally “head of the year,” marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It also marks the beginning of the ten Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Days of Awe are a period of introspection and repentance in preparation for Yom Kippur.

On the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah falls on the first two days of the month of Tishrei. The Bible does not refer to the holiday as Rosh Hashanah; rather, it describes the holiday as Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance, and Yom Teruah, the Day of the Blowing of the Shofar, or the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6). During synagogue services, the Jewish community sounds the shofar (ram’s horn) as a call to repentance.

Special foods are eaten during Rosh Hashanah. For example, we dip apples in honey to symbolize a good and sweet new year. Traditionally, we eat pomegranates as part of the holiday celebration, because we hope our good deeds in the coming year will be as numerous as the seeds of a pomegranate.