Rosh Hashanah 2026: Dates, Times, Customs, and Shofar Blowing Explained

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in 2026 (5787) will commence on Friday, September 11th, and conclude on Sunday, September 13th. The holiday begins just before sunset on Friday and ends after nightfall on Sunday. Notably, the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on a Saturday this year.

Shofar, the ritual ram's horn, will be blown on the second day of the holiday, Sunday, September 13th, as it is not traditionally blown on Shabbat. The shofar blowing is a central mitzvah, or commandment, with various interpretations, including symbolizing God's coronation as king, recalling the revelation at Mount Sinai, commemorating the destruction of the Temple, and remembering the binding of Isaac. The common blasts are a long 'tekiah', three shorter 'shevarim', and a series of very short 'teruah' blasts, often culminating in a 'tekiah gedolah' (great blast).

Traditional Rosh Hashanah customs include the Seder, a meal featuring symbolic foods. These include pomegranate (for abundant merits), dates (for the end of enemies), leek or spinach (for the removal of enemies), and apple with honey (for a sweet new year). Other symbolic foods include a fish or sheep head (to be at the head and not the tail) and a pumpkin or gourd (for the tearing of a bad decree).

Public transportation will operate on a Friday schedule on September 11th, ending early for the holiday. Regular services will be suspended on Saturday, September 12th, and Sunday, September 13th, resuming on Monday, September 14th. Schools will be closed from September 11th to September 13th, with classes resuming on September 14th.

Candle lighting for Rosh Hashanah follows specific blessings. On Friday, September 11th, the blessing for lighting Shabbat and holiday candles will be recited. On Saturday evening, September 12th, candles will be lit after Shabbat ends, using an existing flame, and the blessing for holiday candles will be recited. The Kiddush, or sanctification prayer, on Friday evening will include prayers for both Shabbat and the holiday, while Saturday night's Kiddush will incorporate the Havdalah service transitioning from Shabbat to the holiday.