Rosh Hashanah is considered one of the most important Jewish Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah is the annual renewal of creation and has come to signify the continuity of creation and the ongoing involvement of G-d in the lives of the Jewish people. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the ten days of repentance. It is a time to assess one’s personal achievements and failures and to prepare to begin anew. The blast of the shofar, the ram’s horn, in the synagogue reminds the Jewish people to fear G-d and to undertake good deeds during the ensuing twelve months. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with symbolic foods such as apples and honey, which represent the hope of a sweet new year.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on the first of the month of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar and continues for two days.
This year Rosh Hashana begins sunset of Wednesday, October 2, 2024
and ends nightfall of Friday, October 4, 2024
Rosh Hashanah Messaging
The proximity of Rosh Hashanah to the start of the semester means Jewish campus community members will be paying attention to how the university regards their holiday. Recognition by your institution of the importance of Rosh Hashanah will communicate appreciation of your Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Any and all public greetings are encouraged – in video or graphical format; on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter / X; and as stories and feed posts.
Greetings are most appreciated in the 24 hours leading up to the start of the holiday. Because of celebrations and observances that prohibit the use of electronics, many celebrating Rosh Hashanah will not see any late messages until the holiday is over. As Rosh Hashanah begins in the evening, sharing greetings early that day is ideal.
Appropriate imagery for Rosh Hashanah greetings and messaging include:
- Shofar
- Apples & honey
- Round challah
Avoid using any Jewish-related imagery that is not associated with Rosh Hashanah. For example, a common mistake is to include imagery of Chanukah menorahs or matzah ball soup.
Although it conveys much-appreciated cultural recognition, we recommend avoiding using Hebrew lettering in your holiday greetings and focusing more on the core message you wish to relay.
Sample greetings:
Happy Rosh Hashanah
Wishing our campus Jewish community a sweet new year. Shana Tova to our students, faculty, and staff!
Suggested social media captions:
- Shana Tova! May you have a sweet new year.
- Wishing our Jewish community here on campus a very sweet new year!
Tip for Presidents and Individuals: It is nice to include an anecdote about an experience or favourite aspect of the holiday in your personal greeting.