Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah falls on the first day of Tishri, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which coincides with September or October. Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” in Hebrew.
Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of the world’s creation and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a time for repentance. Over the course of 10 days, God determines who will live and who will die in the coming year. Those who fall between the righteous and the condemned must spend the Days of Awe repenting.
Yom Kippur, another significant Jewish holiday, marks the end of the Days of Awe.
Fascinating Facts About Rosh Hashanah
The precise date of Rosh Hashanah changes each year.
The Hebrew Calendar is lunisolar, meaning it accounts for the sun and the moon.
Work is not permitted on Rosh Hashanah.
There are four Jewish new years, including Tishri, Shevat, Nisan and Elul.
There are about 15 million Jewish people worldwide.
Israel accounts for almost 50% of the world’s Jewish population.
Familiar Traditions and Symbols of Rosh Hashanah
Shofar
A shofar, also known as a ram’s horn, is blown in a synagogue on Rosh Hashanah to recognize the new year.
Shanah Tovah
In Hebrew, “shanah tovah” means “good year”. It is a phrase used to greet one another during Rosh Hashanah. These words are a part of a longer greeting, “leshanah tovah tikatev v’tichatem”. In English this translates to “may you be written and sealed for a good year”.
Apples and Honey
During Rosh Hashanah, people often dip apple slices in honey. Occasionally this is done after prayer. This practice signifies hope that the new year will be sweet and fruitful.
Challah
During Rosh Hashanah, people bake and consume a type of bread called challah. It is round in shape to symbolize the cycle of life. Raisins may be added to symbolize a sweet new year.
Pomegranates
Another sweet treat! Pomegranates are frequently consumed during Rosh Hashanah. The seeds of a pomegranate represent a prosperous new year with many mitzvahs (commandments). And, it is customary to try a new fruit, or one that has not been eaten in a long time, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah.
Tashlich
Typically performed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, tashlich is the casting away of sins. Prayers are recited next to a body of water. Once the prayers conclude, pieces of bread are thrown into the water to symbolize the casting away of sins from the previous year.
How To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah in the Workplace
Use Appropriate Greetings
While it is unlikely that Jewish employees will work during Rosh Hashanah, each person chooses how to observe their own religion differently.
Greet those in the office with the words “shanah tovah”. To go one step farther, you could purchase symbolic treats for the office (e.g., challah, pomegranates, apples and honey).
For those who are not present, you may want to send a digital greeting to acknowledge the significance of this holiday.
Provide Resources
If your office does not have an Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to Jewish employees, encourage the creation of one.
ERGs are a safe space where individuals can share their concerns, achievements and build relationships with others. Additionally, ensure that your office provides resources that are accessible to Jewish employees.
It’s important that these resources account for intersecting identities and different abilities. We’ve provided a small list of online resources below.
Learn About the Community
Take the time to educate yourself, your employees and your human resources department about the history of Jewish people. Make a note of Jewish holidays, significant traditions and symbols, statements and actions that are micro aggressive or discriminatory and any other pertinent information.
Articles, books, workshops and eCourses are excellent educational resources. Remember, the more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to support your employees.
Allow for Paid Time Off
Seeing as the majority of Jewish employees choose not to work during Rosh Hashanah, paid time off should be provided.
It is paramount that your employees understand that they will not be discriminated against nor punished due to their religion. Paid time off will allow your employees to enjoy this sacred holiday with their friends and family without worry.
Resources for the Jewish Community
Cultivate a Tolerant Atmosphere
Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and celebration. Take this time to reevaluate the policies, practices and resources in your workplace.
Ask yourself if your policies:
Are they inclusive?
Are they equitable?
Check out our Free DEI Policy Guide if you’re looking for more information!
A healthy workplace is tolerant of all cultures, religions, ethnicities, sexualities, abilities, etc. Creating an inclusive atmosphere will allow employees to thrive as they will feel supported, respected and understood.
