Rosh Hashanah
Informative Articles & Videos
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Maimonides’ 4 Steps to Teshuvah
This short video outlines the four steps to teshuvah (repentance), according to Maimonides: regret our actions, stop doing them, confess
Rosh Hashanah Infographic
This infographic from Aish.com lays out the various traditions and rituals of the Jewish New Year in a concise and
Rabbi Saadia Gaon’s 10 Reasons for Sounding the Shofar
This post summarizes ten different symbolic explanations as to why we blow the shofar on Rosh Hashana, according to Rabbi
Selichot: Prayers of Repentance
This article by Rabbi Dr. Reuven Hammer explains the origins, significance and structure of selichot – the special prayers recited during
Tzom Gedaliah Fast Day
This article from Chabad.org explains the origins, historical background, and ritual observances of the minor fast day of Tzom Gedaliah, observed on the day after Rosh
Rosh Hashanah 101
This introductory article briefly explains the history, customs and significance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, a time of both rejoicing
A Technical Explanation of the Shofar Blasts
In this highly technical video (6:38), Orthodox rabbi, author and educator, Hadar Margolin, explains why we hear 100 blasts of
Preparing for the New Year with Rabbi Sacks: A Thought Provoking Video Series
This post contains a series of ten short, thought-provoking videos to help prepare for the new year. Recorded by Rabbi Lord
Elul & Rosh Hashanah: What’s Love Got to Do With It?
In this short yet profound video, Charlie Harary suggests that the month of Elul and the holiday of Rosh Hashanah provide us with
Mayim Bialik: 4 Things Jews Do on Rosh Hashanah
In this short, informal video, actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik introduces four Rosh Hashanah customs: eating ritual foods, hearing the blowing of
Rabbi Sacks: 3 Fundamental Questions for the High Holidays
In this short yet inspiring video, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the previous Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, prompts viewers to ask
Rosh Hashanah Customs
In this clear video, aimed at both Jews and non-Jews, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein introduces the customs and spiritual significance of
Feeling the Love in Judgement: Special for the High Holidays
In this short and sweet animated video, Rabbi David Aaron shares the profound message that judgement is actually an act
Rosh Hashanah for Kids
In this sweet, interactive video, Rabbi David and Kerry Bar-Cohn introduce young children to the rituals and significance behind the Biblical
What is Rosh Hashanah? The Jewish New Year
This 4-minute long animated video presents an excellent overview of the rituals, customs and significance of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. Useful
Tashlich: A Rosh Hashanah Tradition
This minute-long video from MyJewishLearning provides a basic introduction to tashlich, a Rosh Hashanah ritual during which Jews symbolically cast
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Customs
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Reb Zalman’s Alternative Hatarat Nedarim (Annullment of Vows)
This post presents an alternative English version to the Hatarat Nedarim ceremony, in which a person formally annuls his/her vows before Rosh
Selichot at the Western Wall
This short video shows thousands of Jews gathering together for the final night of Selichot prayers before Yom Kippur at
We Need Justice and Kindness: A Humanistic Prayer for Selichot
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated words for a prayer for justice, kindness, and social responsibility written by Humanistic
Selichot Service with Kabbalistic Intentions
This link opens up a 38 page long Kabbalistic Selichot Service, containing the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of traditional prayers,
Tkhine of the Matriarchs for the Blowing of the Shofar
This “tkhine” (supplication) is a para-liturgical prayer in Yiddish with an English translation that is meant to be recited by a
Abbreviated Renewal Selichot Services
This alternative selichot ceremony, intended for the Saturday night preceding Rosh Hashanah, includes Havdalah, original poetry, traditional liturgy, writing exercises, and readings
Kiddush Hashanah: Prayers for Dedicating the New Year
Whereas many piyutim (liturgical poems) were composed specifically for the evening of Rosh Hashanah, they did not become a standard part of the liturgy. This excerpt from the
Hatarat Nedarim: Annulment of Vows Before Rosh Hashanah
This post from JewishContent.org provides the English text of the Hatarat Nedarim ceremony, in which a person formally annuls his/her vows
Conservative Tashlich Texts (English & Hebrew)
This excerpt from the Conservative Machzor Lev Shalom for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur presents the special prayers and passages recited during
Sephardic Rosh Hashanah Simanim Seder
This 3 page long PDF document offers a sample Rosh Hashanah Simanim Seder, originally a Sephardic tradition in which blessings are
Renewal Tashlich Ceremony
This alternative Tashlich ceremony includes biblical passages and excerpts from traditional prayers, together with an original poem-prayer written by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat.
Psalm 27: A Psalm for the High Holiday Season
This post offers the Hebrew and English text of Psalm 27, recited twice daily from the beginning of the Hebrew
The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
This video presents a popular Ashkenazi melody for the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Enumerated in Exodus 34:6–7 these Divine Attributes are frequently recited
Achot Ketana: A Sephardic Rosh Hashanah Piyut
This post presents the lyrics and a musical rendition of Achot Ketanah (Little Sister), a liturgical poem sung in many
Audio Recordings of Sephardic High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the High Holiday section of the Sephardic Hazzanut Project website, where you can listen
Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
Egalitarian Versions of Hu Ya’anenu (Selichot & Yom Kippur)
This post provides links to several different versions of “Hu Ya’anenu,” a prayer that recalls how God mercifully answered our
How to Find a Machzor (High Holiday Prayer Book)
This comprehensive article serves as a guide to finding the right High Holiday Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Traditional Rosh Hashanah Evening & Daytime Kiddush
This post offers links to the traditional evening and daytime Kiddush ceremonies performed on Rosh Hashanah. The page for the
How to Light Candles on Rosh Hashanah
In this thorough instructional video (9:31), Dr. Rachael Turkienicz describes how to light the holiday candles for Rosh Hashanah, including technical and
Traditional Practices - Learn How
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How to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah
This short instructional video briefly presents different aspects of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations, including ritual foods, lighting candles, making blessings
Where to Stream High Holiday Services Online
This article provides a list of non-denominational, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Renewal synagogues around the world that live-stream their High Holiday prayer services
How to Find a Machzor (High Holiday Prayer Book)
This comprehensive article serves as a guide to finding the right High Holiday Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
How to Prepare for Rosh Hashanah
This article outlines some of the customs designed to help prepare one spiritually for the Jewish New Year and the High
A Guide to the High Holiday Prayers
This thorough article provides an overview of the contents, structure and themes of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayer
Traditional Rosh Hashanah Evening & Daytime Kiddush
This post offers links to the traditional evening and daytime Kiddush ceremonies performed on Rosh Hashanah. The page for the
How to Make High Holiday Synagogue Services Meaningful
This honest article presents six simple tips to transform lengthy, frustrating services into a meaningful prayer experience. With an emphasis
How to Make a Shofar
This 4 minute long video shows how a ram’s horn is transformed into a shofar, the musical instrument and ritual
How to Light Candles on Rosh Hashanah
In this thorough instructional video (9:31), Dr. Rachael Turkienicz describes how to light the holiday candles for Rosh Hashanah, including technical and
How to Blow the Shofar
This short instructional video demonstrates how to blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, including an explanation of the three different
How to Braid a Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah
This short instructional video demonstrates three different methods for making a circular challah, as is customary for Rosh Hashanah. There
Maimonides’ 4 Steps to Teshuvah
This short video outlines the four steps to teshuvah (repentance), according to Maimonides: regret our actions, stop doing them, confess
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Music
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The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
This video presents a popular Ashkenazi melody for the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Enumerated in Exodus 34:6–7 these Divine Attributes are frequently recited
Leonard Cohen: Who By Fire
This video presents Who By Fire, a haunting song by the late Jewish Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen based on the
Phish’s Avinu Malkeinu (My Father, My King)
This video presents the American jam band, Phish, performing their version of Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King), a desperate plea for
Barbra Streisand’s Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King)
This video presents Jewish American singer, actress, and filmmaker, Barbra Streisand, performing Avinu Malkeinu for former Israeli President Simon Peres at his
Mogwai’s Heavy Metal Avinu Malkeinu (My Father, My King)
This video presents the Scottish post-rock band, Mogwai, performing a 10 minute long heavy metal version of Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father,
A Calming Melody for the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
This post offers the Hebrew and English text of The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, as well as a calming melody composed by The Nava
Dip the Apple in the Honey: A Rosh Hashanah Song for Kids
This sweet animated video presents a popular American Rosh Hashanah song for kids with onscreen karaoke-style lyrics. The video is produced
Achot Ketana: A Sephardic Rosh Hashanah Piyut
This post presents the lyrics and a musical rendition of Achot Ketanah (Little Sister), a liturgical poem sung in many
Audio Recordings of Sephardic High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the High Holiday section of the Sephardic Hazzanut Project website, where you can listen
Audio Recordings of Ashkenazi High Holiday Liturgy
This link will take you to the musical prayer navigator of Mechon Hadar, where you can find audio recordings for each
The Maccabeats: This is the New Year – Rosh Hashanah
This video presents an a capella cover of This is the New Year by A Great Big World by the Maccabeats, an all-male Jewish
Medley of Chasidic Rosh Hashanah Niggunim
This 12 minute long video presents an emotive medley of Chasidic melodies for Rosh Hashanah liturgy, performed by Motty Steinmetz
Shofar Callin’: A Rosh Hashanah Rap
This animated music video about the Jewish New Year as an opportunity for change connects the Torah reading of Rosh Hashanah –
Get Clarity: Rosh Hashanah Music Video
A Rosh Hashanah-themed parody of Get Lucky by Daft Punk, this video features Chasidic Rock guitar player Menachem Herman and Orthodox Yeshiva
Rosh Hashanah: Can’t Stop The Feeling
A Rosh Hashanah-themed parody of Can’t Stop This Feeling by Justin Timberlake, this video features people dancing in the streets of Jerusalem
Fountainheads: Dip Your Apple
A Rosh Hashanah- themed parody of Waka Waka by Shakira, this high-energy music video features The Fountainheads singing about the hope and
What Makes Rosh Hashanah Beautiful
A Rosh Hashanah-themed parody of What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction, this video features Orthodox Yeshiva students singing about the inspiring
Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem
A Rosh Hashanah-themed parody of Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO, this video features Orthodox Yeshiva students break-dancing in the Old City of
Beth Hamon: Lev Tahor (A Clean Heart)
This live performance features Jewish singer-songwriter, Beth Hamon, performing “Lev Tahor (A Clean Heart),” a contemporary folk song in which
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Deconstructed Al Het Activity
This link will lead you to a detailed outline of a ritual activity based on the traditional “Al Het” confessional
Egalitarian Versions of Hu Ya’anenu (Selichot & Yom Kippur)
This post provides links to several different versions of “Hu Ya’anenu,” a prayer that recalls how God mercifully answered our
For Kids: Really, Really Sorry!
This entertaining animated video (9:08) teaches young children about the challenges and importance of saying sorry – and meaning it – as
Prayers Ascend to Heaven at the Western Wall
Through beautiful imagery and animation, this video conveys the power of prayer, depicting the traditional Jewish belief that prayers of
An Israel-Focused High Holiday Lesson Plan
This thorough lesson plan aims to help students “taste” the ethnic diversity of the Jewish communities in Israel, experience the immense
Who By Fire: A Poem of Doubt and Return
This poem by non-traditional rabbi and spiritual seeker, Rabbi Patrick A. Beaulier, explores many of the intense themes of Rosh Hashanah through a piece based
An Alternative Avinu Malkeinu: Our Parent, Our Sovereign
Written by Rabbi Burt Jacobson of the Jewish Renewal movement, this alternative version of the liturgical prayer, Avinu Malkeinu, refers to God
Kesher V’Gesher: A Prayer for Rosh Hashanah
This poem by Trisha Arlin describes the intensity of the process of repentance and growth of the High Holiday season, focusing on the power
Shofar Meditations for the Days of Awe
This post offers two guided meditations based on the imagery and spiritual power of the shofar. Designed for Rosh Hashanah and
A Mikveh Immersion Ceremony for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur
This post provides the outline and texts for a mikveh immersion ceremony to spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom
A Rosh Hashanah Website for Children
This link will take you to an entire website dedicated to teaching children about the Jewish New Year in a fun and
A Rosh Hashanah Glossary of Hebrew Terms
This glossary from ReformJudaism.org translates and explains many Hebrew words and phrases that one may come across over Rosh Hashanah,
The Power of Celebrating Rosh Hashanah in Uman
This video gives an insight into the annual pilgrimage of tens of thousands of Jews from all over the world
Traditional Rosh Hashanah Recipes
This article presents recipes for traditional Rosh Hashanah dishes eaten in different communities. The Rosh Hashanah-themed foods are divided into
Where to Stream High Holiday Services Online
This article provides a list of non-denominational, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Renewal synagogues around the world that live-stream their High Holiday prayer services