Rosh Hashanah

noun

Rosh Ha·​sha·​nah ˌräsh-(h)ə-ˈshä-nə 

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

Yom Kippur happens 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Oct. 2024

Two weeks later, shortly before Rosh Hashanah, police came to his home. —Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2025

And Elyssa Heller, the owner of Jewish-comfort-food restaurant Edith’s, adds that during Rosh Hashanah, the shop has fantastic gefilte fish. —Maria Yagoda, Curbed, 19 Dec. 2024

These are among the most significant, according to Religion News: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar year and initiates the Ten Days of Repentance. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew rōsh hashshānāh, literally, beginning of the year

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Rosh Hashanah

noun

Rosh Ha·​sha·​nah ˌrōsh-hə-ˈshō-nə 

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"