For Jews around the world, the two-day holiday known as Rosh Hashanah begins on Friday evening at sunset and ends at sunset on Sunday.

Considered the beginning of the Jewish New Year and one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah is filled with special foods, traditions and mitzvahs or commandments. One of the most important things to do on Rosh Hashanah is to hear the shofar or the ram’s horn.

Things you should know about the holiday. Shanah Tovah!

What is Rosh Hashanah?

The words actually mean “beginning of the year” and are used to mark the beginning of the Jewish new year. Rosh Hashanah is a two-day period that culminates with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar.

The two-day period is also known as “The Days of Fear” and focuses on repentance and atonement.

In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah is considered the sixth day of “Creation”, the day on which Adam and Eve were made. Because of its creation, it is also considered the day when the potential of the universe was first recognized; therefore, it is also considered the anniversary of the universe.

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

Many ways. Most notably, Jews spend a lot of time in a synagogue or temple praying, listening to the shofar ring and reflecting on the past year. In addition, there is a traditional trip to a body of water where bread is thrown, symbolizing the casting of sins into the depths of the sea, as quoted in the Bible.

What is a shofar, and why is a ram’s horn so important?

A shofar is a trumpet made from the horn of a kosher animal with the bone marrow removed. Rosh Hashanah’s central mitzvah or commandment is to hear the shofar being played, usually in a synagogue and, ideally, as part of the prayer service.

The Torah does not specify why the shofar ring is important on Rosh Hashanah.

Are there special foods served during Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah banquets traditionally include round challah bread (studded with raisins) and apples dipped in honey, pomegranate and other foods that symbolize the wishes of a sweet year. Some parties serve parts of the head of a fish or sheep, expressing the desire that “we are head and not tail”.

It is traditional to stay away from nuts, as well as spicy and vinegar-based foods to avoid “a bitter year”.