Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year, coming up September 11-12, 2026 – is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Judaism. But while many are familiar with its modern customs, from apples dipped in honey to the sounding of the shofar, fewer know about its biblical origins.
Learn more about Rosh Hashanah in the Bible and how this ancient festival grew into the rich holiday tradition observed today!
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated today with festive meals, synagogue prayers, and the sounding of the shofar. But what does the Bible actually say about this important holiday? Surprisingly, the Torah never uses the term Rosh Hashanah – instead, it speaks of a sacred day marked by shofar blasts and remembrance.
The first mentions of the holiday appear in the Book of Leviticus (23:23–25) and Numbers (29:1–6). In both places, it is described as a day of rest, accompanied by the blowing of the shofar (the ram’s horn), and offerings in the Temple.
The Torah calls it Yom Teruah (the Day of Shofar Blowing) or Zichron Teruah (a Day of Remembrance with Shofar Blasts).
“In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts.”
(Leviticus 23:24)
Interestingly, the Torah places this holiday in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, the Hebrew month Tishrei, not the first. While Nissan (the month of Passover) is considered the beginning of the year in the Torah, Tishrei became associated with the start of the New Year later on in Jewish tradition.
Jews today mark Tishrei and Rosh Hashanah as the Jewish New Year, as it is a time of reflection, renewal, and judgment.
Over time, rabbinic tradition connected the themes of Yom Teruah with the idea of a new year—a day when God judges humanity, and when Jews reflect on their actions and hopes for the year ahead.
This is how the holiday came to be known as Rosh Hashanah, literally “the Head of the Year.”
One of the most evocative ideas associated with the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah is Melech BaSadeh, meaning “The King Is in the Field.” The metaphor comes from Chassidic tradition and describes this period as a time when the “King” is no longer distant in His palace, but is metaphorically present in the field, accessible and close to the people.
For observant Jews, this period, known as Elul, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, is traditionally a time of spiritual preparation. It is a period for teshuvah (return or repentance), self-reflection, prayer, and examining the year that has passed. Many take extra time to consider their relationships, actions, and priorities, asking what they would like to change or improve in the year ahead. The sound of the shofar during Elul also serves as a daily reminder that Rosh Hashanah is approaching.
You don't need to be observant, or even religious, to use this season as a moment to pause and reconnect. It can be as simple as making time for family, reaching out to someone you've lost touch with, spending a little time in nature, or reflecting on what gives your life meaning. Perhaps that is the enduring appeal of Melech BaSadeh: the idea that, for a moment, what often feels distant can feel closer, and that the beginning of a new year can give all of us an opportunity to stop, look around, and begin again with greater intention.
While the Temple sacrifices described in the Torah are no longer practiced, some key biblical elements remain central today:
The Shofar – Just as in the Bible, the sound of the ram’s horn is still the most iconic ritual of Rosh Hashanah.
A Sacred Day of Rest – The holiday continues to be observed as a day set apart, with work avoided in favor of prayer, reflection, and family gatherings.
Remembrance – The biblical idea of remembering continues in the High Holiday prayers, where Jews recall both personal and collective history.
From its simple biblical description as a day of shofar blasts, Rosh Hashanah has become a holiday rich with meaning, customs, and community. Knowing its biblical origins adds depth to the way we celebrate today, connecting modern traditions to their ancient roots in the Torah.
Looking to bring even more tradition into your holiday? Explore our collection of Rosh Hashanah gifts and essentials from Israel – from shofars and pomegranate decor to holiday tableware and more!
