Holidays / Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah

Start the Jewish new year inspired, with meaningful prayer and a table full of family.

Next year

October 2 – October 3, 2027

1 Tishrei 5788

The Shofar next year. The first day of Rosh Hashanah is Shabbat, so the Shofar is not blown that morning. It is sounded on Sunday, October 3, the second day, only. It is a rabbinic safeguard, not a shortened holiday — the second day of Rosh Hashanah is a full part of it everywhere.

Tashlich is said on the afternoon of Sunday, October 3, moved with the Shofar to the second day.

Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year and the anniversary of creation. It's observed for two days, opening the Ten Days of Repentance that lead to Yom Kippur.

The Shofar — a ram's horn — is sounded during services as a wordless call to reflection. Round Challah and apples dipped in honey mark the hope for a sweet, whole year ahead.

You don't need to be a member, and you don't need experience with the prayers — everyone is welcome, and English translations are on hand.

When to come

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Friday, October 1

Friday night services	6:30 PM

Rosh Hashanah

Saturday, October 2

Shabbat morning services	10:00 AM

Get ready for Rosh Hashanah

345 days to go

A short list, so the evening is about the new year and not the logistics.

Before the holiday

Reserve your place at the community dinner. Dinner
Check which morning the Shofar is blown this year, at the top of this page.

Questions people ask

Do I need a ticket or a membership for Rosh Hashanah services?

No. There are no tickets, no seat charges and no membership fees at Chabad of Silicon Valley. Walk in. If you are reading this you are already a member of our synagogue — every Jew is.

I have never been to a Rosh Hashanah service. Will I be lost?

You will be fine. Prayer books have English on every facing page, the Rabbi announces pages out loud, and nobody is ever asked to read aloud or to come up to the Torah unless they want to. Many people here came for the first time as adults.

What time is the Shofar blown?

Late in the morning service. It is not sounded on Shabbat, so in a year when the first day falls on Shabbat you will hear it on the second day only — the note at the top of this page says which mornings that is this year. If you can only come for one part of the day, this is the part to come for; call us and we will tell you the hour.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, and please do. Children are welcome in the service at any age and there is no expectation that they sit still. There is a childrens program during the main service and a Shofar blowing that children are brought in for specially.

What should I wear?

Whatever you would wear somewhere you wanted to look respectful. Most men wear a jacket, most women a dress or skirt, but nobody is turned away or looked at twice. Kippot are at the door if you need one.

Is there a meal?

Yes. There is a community holiday dinner with round Challah, apples and honey, and pomegranate. It is open to anyone, and you can reserve a place through this website. If cost is an issue, say so quietly and it is handled quietly.

Rosh Hashanah

When to come

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah

Get ready for Rosh Hashanah

Before the holiday

Questions people ask

At the table

Afterward

Tell us you are coming for Rosh Hashanah