Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. This means 'head of the year' or 'first of the year'.

It is considered as the birthday of all creation. This day is referred to as 'the beginning of the year' and not the first day of the year.

This Day is observed as a day of rest. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Jewish New Year is the birthday of the world, as it was on this day that God created Man on the 6th day of creation.

It is characterized by the blowing of the shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn. Rosh Hashanah meals often include apples and honey, to symbolize a 'sweet new year'. It is a time of family gatherings, special meals and sweet tasting foods.

In Jewish thought, Rosh Hashanah is the most important judgment day, on which all the inhabitants of the world pass for judgment before the Creator, as sheep pass for examination before the shepherd. Jewish New Year is the start of the civil year in the Hebrew calendar.

During the afternoon of the first day the practice of tashlikh is observed, in which prayers are recited near natural flowing water, and one's sins are symbolically cast into the water. Many also have the custom to throw bread or pebbles into the water, to symbolize the "casting off" of sins.