Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a two-day celebration that marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and the sounding of the shofar (ram's horn).

Rosh Hashanah 2024/5785 begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and ends sundown on Friday, October 4. 

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. The specific dates vary each year according to the Hebrew calendar but usually fall in September or October.

Traditional Rosh Hashanah gifts often center around themes of sweetness and prosperity for the new year. Here are some popular gift ideas inspired by items from ModernTribe:

1. Honey and Honey Dishes: High-quality kosher honey and decorative honey dishes are symbolic gifts representing the wish for a sweet new year. ModernTribe offers elegant options like the apple and honey serving platter and dipper set.
2. Apple-themed Items: Apples are traditionally dipped in honey during Rosh Hashanah. Gifts like apple-shaped honey dishes or apple-themed kitchenware are both practical and symbolic.
3. Challah Covers and Boards: Special round challah bread is a Rosh Hashanah staple. Gifting a beautifully designed challah cover or board adds a touch of elegance to the holiday meal.
   
4. Calendars: Jewish art calendars featuring the new Jewish year are thoughtful and practical gifts that can be appreciated throughout the year.
   
5. Kosher Food Gifts: Items such as marzipan, halva trios, and other kosher treats are great for sharing and symbolize the abundance of the new year.
6. Home Decor: Items like Shabbat candlesticks, Hamsa trinket dishes, and Jewish blessing garlands make for meaningful gifts that also enhance home deco
   

These gift ideas are not only traditional but also offer a modern touch that can be appreciated by anyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah.

Blowing a shofar is a key tradition in Jewish rituals, especially during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. : The shofar, a ram's horn, is blown during Rosh Hashanah services. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the binding of Isaac, symbolizing a wake-up call to reflect and return to spiritual practices. Here are the steps to properly blow a shofar:

Select the Shofar: Choose a shofar, typically made from a ram's horn. Ensure it is clean and free of obstructions.

Proper Positioning:

• Hold the Shofar: Hold the shofar in your dominant hand.
• Position Your Lips: Place your lips firmly on the narrow end of the shofar. Pucker your lips as if you are about to blow a trumpet.

Breathing Technique:

• Take a deep breath, filling your lungs with air.
• Place the shofar firmly against your lips, ensuring a tight seal.

Blowing the Shofar:

• Create a Buzzing Sound: Blow air through your lips, creating a buzzing sound that resonates through the shofar.
• Adjust Lip Tension: Adjust the tension in your lips to change the pitch and volume of the sound.

Shofar Blasts:

• Tekiah: A long, single blast.
• Shevarim: Three short, broken blasts.
• Teruah: Nine rapid, staccato blasts.
• Tekiah Gedolah: A very long, extended blast, longer than the regular Tekiah.

Tips for Effective Shofar Blowing

• Practice: Regular practice helps improve breath control and lip strength.
• Moist Lips: Slightly moisten your lips to get a better seal on the shofar.
• Rest Between Blasts: Take brief rests between blasts to avoid getting winded.