Rosh Hashanah

noun

Rosh Ha·​sha·​nah ˌräsh-(h)ə-ˈshä-nə How to pronounce Rosh Hashanah (audio)
ˌrōsh-,
-ˈshō-
: the Jewish New Year observed on the first day and by Orthodox and Conservative Jews also on the second day of Tishri

Examples of Rosh Hashanah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the same time, the reality is that her synagogue and many others posted security guards outside their buildings during Rosh Hashanah services last weekend and will do so again for Yom Kippur. Emily Wax-Thibodeaux, Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2023 Donald Trump marked Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, by threatening American Jews. Tori Otten, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023 Jewish pilgrims gathered in central Ukraine to mark Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish new year, which began at sunset Friday and ended at sundown Sunday. Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 17 Sep. 2023 The approach of the Rosh Hashanah holiday this evening also complicated the effort for a Friday sit-down at WGA West headquarters. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Sep. 2023 The High Holidays begin Friday night with the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, while Yom Kippur begins on Sept. 24. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2023 As with Eid or Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah is traditionally celebrated with lavish feasts and fine holiday clothes. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023 Challahs are usually braided into loafs, but the circular shape is a Rosh Hashanah tradition, according to Chabad. Daniel Kool, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023 The holiday, which is also spelled Rosh Hashanah, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and leads up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, which this year will begin at sundown Sept. 24. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 9 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Rosh Hashanah.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew rōsh hashshānāh, literally, beginning of the year

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rosh Hashanah was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near Rosh Hashanah

Cite this Entry

“Rosh Hashanah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rosh%20Hashanah. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

Rosh Hashanah

noun
Rosh Ha·​sha·​nah ˌrōsh-hə-ˈshō-nə How to pronounce Rosh Hashanah (audio)
ˌrōsh-ə-,
ˌräsh-,
-ˈshän-ə
: the Jewish New Year observed as a religious holiday in September or October
Etymology

from Hebrew rōsh hashshānāh, literally, "beginning of the year"

More from Merriam-Webster on Rosh Hashanah

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!