Why isn’t the Jewish New Year in January? There are actually four “new years” in the Jewish calendar. There is a New Year for Kings, a New Year for the Trees, a New Year for the Tithing of Animals, and Rosh HaShanah, the New Year for Years. This last one is the one that is considered the “head” of the year (Rosh means “head”) and is when the number of the year advances. The first three are relatively minor observances, while Rosh HaShanah is considered to be one of the most important days of the Jewish calendar.
The Jewish calendar is based on a lunar cycle, adjusted with leap years so that the holidays and months fall within roughly the same seasonal period each year. Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated in the autumn season (September/October) each year.
When is Rosh HaShanah?
Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the eve of the holiday, so Rosh HaShanah begins at sundown on the night before each of these dates:
September 19, 2020
September 7, 2021
September 26, 2022
