Rosh Hashanah begins on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which Jewish tradition considers to be the day the universe was created. This year, it 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 Israelites and say: 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 sacred assembly” (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, which span from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, we ask for forgiveness from God, but also—and above all—from our fellow human beings for any 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.
Some people wear new clothes for this occasion. Many go to a river or a body of water, empty their pockets of crumbs, and ask to enter the new year free of transgressions. This ritual is called Tashlij.
On Yom Kippur, which this year is observed from sunset on September 20 to sunset on September 21, 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 "LeShaná Tová Tikatevu VeTejatemu" ("May we 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 the students, staff, and faculty of the Universidad ORT Uruguay .