They begin on the first day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (Tishrei), which Jewish tradition considers to be the day of the creation of the universe. This year, the holiday begins on September 11, 2026, at sunset, and lasts for 48 hours.
The Origins
Although it is enshrined in the Bible, which states: “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: On the first day of the seventh month, you shall have a day of rest, a day of blowing the shofar as a reminder, a holy convocation” (Leviticus 23:24), the holiday of Rosh Hashanah is not based on any event in Jewish history.
The concept of Yom Hadin (Day of Judgment)—another name by which it is known—applies to all of humanity, which recalls the day of its creation, during which it begins to be judged by the Creator and each individual must find their place in the Book of Life.
During these ten days of spiritual reflection, we ask forgiveness from the Creator, but also—and above all—from our fellow human beings for all the harm we may have caused them, whether intentionally or not.
Some traditional customs
At home, sweet foods such as apples and honey are highlighted, so that the coming year will be a sweet one. Fish is eaten, so that the people may multiply like fish, and especially a fish head, so that Jews may be at the forefront of positive developments and not at the back.
It is customary to wear new clothes for this grand occasion. Many people go to a river or a spring, empty their pockets of crumbs, and ask to enter the new year free of transgressions. This custom is called Tashlij (to cast off).
It is customary to make amends with those with whom one has been angry and to ask for forgiveness. On Yom Kippur, which this year falls at sunset on September 20, 2026, adults typically observe a complete fast lasting 25 hours. While this has many meanings and interpretations, they all relate in some way to the idea of dedicating a day to the spirit and purifying the body.
The traditional Rosh Hashanah greeting is "Le Shana Tova Tikatevu Ve Tejatemu" ("May you be inscribed for a good year of life").
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes for happiness and good fortune in the coming year 5787 to everyone at Universidad ORT Uruguay: students, staff, and faculty.