Did the isrealite celebrate new year

In the Hebrew calendar, the Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה), which is a two-day holiday that typically falls in September or October. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and celebration, marking the beginning of the Jewish new year.

During Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish people around the world gather with family and friends to celebrate with traditional foods, prayers, and rituals. Some common customs and traditions include:

  1. Attending synagogue services: Many Jews attend synagogue services on Rosh Hashanah, where they hear the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn) and recite special prayers.
  2. Eating traditional foods: Traditional Rosh Hashanah foods include apples and honey, which symbolize a sweet new year, as well as round challah bread, which represents the cyclical nature of time.
  3. Saying blessings: Jews recite special blessings and prayers during Rosh Hashanah, including the blessing over the challah and the blessing over the wine.
  4. Singing and dancing: Many Jews sing and dance during Rosh Hashanah, often with traditional songs and melodies.
  5. Visiting the sick: It is a custom to visit the sick and elderly during Rosh Hashanah, as a way of showing compassion and kindness.

In Israel, Rosh Hashanah is a national holiday, and many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. The holiday is celebrated with parades, concerts, and other cultural events, and many Israelis attend synagogue services or participate in community celebrations.

It's worth noting that the Jewish calendar is lunisolar, meaning that the dates of Rosh Hashanah vary each year on the Gregorian calendar. However, it typically falls between September 15 and October 15.