Rosh Hashana, translated to mean "head of the year", is actually one of the holiest days in Judaism. Even holier than Hanukkah, it marks the creation of the world and begins the 10-day period of repentance and introspection known as the Days of Awe. This holiday is held in September or October as it corresponds with the 7th month of the Hewbrew calendar, and it is the two-day celebration of the Jewish new year. Eight days later is Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement.
The Jewish new year is different than the one more traditionally celebrated because they follow a totally separate and lunar-based calendar. The Jewish calendar is also different in that it starts at sunset rather than midnight.
Rosh Hashana is celebrated in many fun ways, usually including going to the synagogue and spending time with family and friends. There is a lot of good food (a traditional combination is apples and honey to reflect the sweetness of the new year), fun games, and great times.
At the end, Yom Kippur is a much more solemn holiday that is spent thinking of the things you said you would do but didn't throughout the year, apologizing to those you have wronged, and reflect on your faults. The first day is spent fasting from food and drink, and then on the final day there is a big celebration!
So, with this limited knowledge of the wonderful traditions of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, be sure to tell your Jewish friends "L’shanah tova!"-which means have a good new year!
