Why is the Jewish New Year in September or October?

Several new years

The Mishnah says there are four new years: 1 Nisan for kings and festivals, 1 Elul for animal tithes, 1 Tishrei for years, sabbatical years and judgement, and 15 Shevat (Tu BiShvat) for trees. The Torah calls Nisan, the month of the Exodus, “the first of the months” (Exodus 12:2), and calls Rosh Hashanah “the first day of the seventh month… a day of blowing the shofar” (Numbers 29:1).

Why Tishrei

The sages taught that on Rosh Hashanah all humanity passes in judgement before God, and one view in the Talmud holds that the world was created in Tishrei. Years are counted from creation from this day – Rosh Hashanah of 2026 began the year 5787.

Why the date moves

Jewish months follow the moon (about 29.5 days), but the festivals must stay in their seasons, so a 13th month is added seven times in 19 years. As a result Rosh Hashanah moves between about September 5 and October 5.

Two days, even in Israel

Rosh Hashanah is the only festival kept for two days in Israel as well, because it falls on the first day of a month: in the time of witnesses even Jerusalem might not know until the day itself whether the new moon had been declared. The two days are treated as “one long day”.

How it is kept

The shofar is blown in the synagogue, the prayers centre on God’s kingship and judgement, and families eat apple dipped in honey and other symbolic foods for a sweet year. Our Rosh Hashanah guide explains the customs.