Rosh Hashanah Q&A

I suppose that you are asking why the apple was specifically chosen from all other fruits that are also sweet—why not, say, a peach or a mango dipped in honey?

Why do we take our New Year so seriously? What's this whole judgment deal? Why all the prayers? Can't we just party?

Is it inconceivable that the Sages would deprive all of Israel of the benefits afforded by one of the greatest mitzvot we have—simply on account of a few ignorant souls who might otherwise err?

All other Jewish holidays have something happy and beautiful about them. Rosh Hashanah only frightens me.

es, it is true that Rosh Hashanah is a very serious day. But is it meant to be frightening? Certainly, this kind of relationship with G‑d, with Torah and with Rosh Hashanah is not what G‑d ever meant...

The numerical equivalent of the word "nut" - egoz in Hebrew - is seventeen. Seventeen is also the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word for sin, chet...

What actually occurred on the first Rosh Hashanah, more than 5700 years ago? What are we commemorating?

According to the Talmud, Pharaoh's dreams and the release of Joseph from prison occurred on Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the year. On that day, G‑d determines the fate of the world...

I heard that there is a custom to buy a new kitchen knife every year for use on Rosh Hashanah. Did you ever hear of this, and, if so, what is the reason for this tradition?

There are different customs as to how many times the shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah. In most communities the shofar is blown 100 times...