Rosh Hashanah

'Light, not fight': How Rome's Chabad prepares for Rosh Hashanah in the shadows of antiquity

The days of the month of Elul are in full swing, and the blast of the shofar echoing through the walls reminds us that Rosh Hashanah and the holidays of Tishrei are just around the corner.

Photograph of Rome taken by the writer.
RABBI MOSHE SILVER blows a Yemenite shofar at the Jerusalem Promenade

Rosh Hashanah: What we must break to become whole - opinion

Israel's population stands at 10.305 million ahead of the Jewish new year.

Israel in numbers: National population hits 10.305m., new CBS data shows ahead of Rosh Hashanah

THE IDEA for this year’s global meditation grew out of an event Michal Lichtman organized in Jerusalem last year as part of her initiative, Migdalor – Growing Light.

Spiritual guide promotes worldwide meditation event to mark 25th anniversary of September 11 attack


Israeli plan to create temporary hanger in Moldova for Uman travellers collapses

The NIS 10 million deal between Israel and Moldova fell apart as 60,000 hasidim were preparing for an annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage.

 Jewish men in the street during Tikkun HaKlali near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, on eve of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 15, 2023.

‘Tekia’ – sound the shofar and a call to the Jewish people

"The shofar’s call tears through our silence. It stands as a symbol of spiritual resistance and a means of maintaining our Jewish identity."

DR. BENJAMIN FENICHEL sounds the shofar on Guadacanal Island, Rosh Hashanah 1943.

New crop of High Holidays children’s books take place in Uganda, Hong Kong and a Sephardic home

A delightful array of new children's books to highlight the depth and the joy of the upcoming High Holidays.

New books out for the High Holidays in 2025 include TK and TK. (Collage by Ilana Zahavy)

Jerusalem highlights September 5-11

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

‘Poems of the Plagues of Egypt’

Israel plans Moldova terminal as part of NIS 20 million Uman operation - report

Israeli officials estimate the government will spend NIS 20m. on a Moldova terminal to support thousands of haredim flying to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.

Jewish men pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, ahead of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, October 1, 2024

Don’t break walls, refresh your routine: How to revitalize your home for the high holidays

Tola Studio designers share tips to refresh your home for Rosh Hashanah with colors, lighting, mirrors, and textiles for a new look without major investment.

Design – Tola Studio

Why do we eat round challah on Rosh Hashanah?

I have discovered that the main reason for having round challahs on Rosh Hashanah has something to do with the first “relatives” in history, husband and wife – Adam and Eve. 

Challah

Ukrainian officials warn Israelis may be barred from entering Uman

Kyiv is angered by Netanyahu’s decision not to call Ukrainian leaders on Independence Day last week.

Jewish men pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, ahead of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, October 1, 2024

Deputy A-G: Haredi draft dodgers must not be allowed to go to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

The government does not have the authority to create a plan that would interfere in law enforcement activities, specifically in regards to allowing draft dodgers to leave Israel, Gil Limon said.

 Jewish men in the street during Tikkun HaKlali near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, on eve of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, September 15, 2023.

Why the shofar matters now: A call for unity, strength, and hope - opinion

The shofar’s blast is more than a call; it’s a symbol of Israel’s resilience, unity, and hope, echoing through times of grief and awakening hearts for the future.

A SHOFAR is blown in a synagogue. Each morning, the cry of the shofar echoes – raw, ancient, and unmelodic, preparing us for the drama of the High Holy Days, the writer notes.