Rosh Hashanah – Festival celebrating the Jewish new year – start of the ten-day period of High Holy Days that culminates in Yom Kippur

(Pronounced rosh hash-ah-nuh)

To remember the meaning of Rosh Hashanah in Judaism, use the following mnemonic:

He rode a posh horse while eating hash browns and a banana (Rosh Hashanah) at the New Year Festival.

Because the Jewish New Year ushers in a ten-day period of self-examination and penitence, some people call Rosh Hashanah the annual Day of Judgment (although it actually lasts for two days).

During the ensuing ten days (known as the ten days of awe), followers of Judaism examine their relationship with God, the Supreme Judge, and make any necessary changes.

A notable feature of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the ram’s horn (shofar), as described in the book of Numbers; the notes of the shofar call the Jewish people to a spiritual awakening associated with the revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Yet another name for Rosh Hashanah is the Day of Remembrance, because it is when Jews commemorate the creation of the world and recall their responsibilities as God’s chosen people.