As the crisp fall air settles in, families and friends gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
This special holiday is a time for reflection, renewal, and hope, filled with traditions like eating apples dipped in honey for a sweet year ahead.
If you’re wondering what do you say to someone celebrating Rosh Hashanah, you’re not alone! Knowing the right words can show respect and care for your loved ones’ traditions.
Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or neighbor, a thoughtful greeting can make their holiday even brighter.
In this guide, we’ll share heartfelt ways to wish someone well, explain the holiday’s meaning, and offer tips to avoid common mistakes.
Let’s dive into how you can share kindness and connect during this meaningful time.
Understanding Rosh Hashanah’s Meaning
Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year, a time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. It’s one of the holiest days in Judaism, often spent in prayer, with family, or enjoying symbolic foods like pomegranates. For many, it’s about seeking forgiveness and starting fresh.
Real-life scenario: Your coworker Sarah mentions she’s preparing for Rosh Hashanah. You want to acknowledge her holiday respectfully.
What to say: “Wishing you a sweet and meaningful Rosh Hashanah!”
What not to say: “Is this like Jewish Christmas?” (This can feel dismissive of the holiday’s unique significance.)
Keep greetings simple and sincere to show you value their traditions without needing to know every detail.
Traditional Greetings for Rosh Hashanah
The most common Rosh Hashanah greeting is “Shanah Tovah”, which means “Good Year” in Hebrew. It’s a warm, universal way to wish someone well. Another option is “L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah,” meaning “For a good and sweet year.”
Real-life scenario: Your friend David invites you to his Rosh Hashanah dinner. You want to bring a card with a kind message.
What to say: “Shanah Tovah! May this year bring you joy and peace.”
What not to say: “Happy Yom Kippur!” (Yom Kippur is a separate, solemn holiday.)
Use these greetings in person, in texts, or cards. They’re short, meaningful, and show you’re thinking of them.
Personalizing Your Message
Personalizing your Rosh Hashanah greeting makes it extra special. Mention something specific, like their family, health, or a shared memory, to show you care. This holiday is about hope, so focus on positivity.
Real-life scenario: Your neighbor Rachel is hosting a Rosh Hashanah meal. You want to send a thoughtful note.
What to say: “Shanah Tovah, Rachel! Wishing you and your family a sweet year full of love and good health.”
What not to say: “Hope you have a great party!” (This ignores the holiday’s deeper meaning.)
Adding a personal touch, like referencing their kids or a recent chat, makes your words more heartfelt.
Being Respectful and Culturally Sensitive
Not everyone celebrates Rosh Hashanah the same way. Some attend synagogue, while others focus on family meals. If you’re unsure about their traditions, keep your message broad and kind. Avoid assumptions about their beliefs or practices.
Real-life scenario: Your classmate Leah mentions she’s taking time off for Rosh Hashanah. You’re not sure how she observes it.
What to say: “Wishing you a joyful Rosh Hashanah, however you celebrate!”
What not to say: “Are you fasting for Rosh Hashanah?” (Fasting is for Yom Kippur, not Rosh Hashanah.)
When in doubt, stick to general well-wishes to avoid accidentally offending anyone.
Offering Support During the Holiday
Rosh Hashanah can be a busy time with preparations for meals or services. Offering help, like bringing a dish or asking how you can support, shows thoughtfulness. Even a kind word can go a long way.
Real-life scenario: Your friend Miriam seems stressed about hosting Rosh Hashanah. You want to offer support.
What to say: “Shanah Tovah, Miriam! Let me know if I can bring anything to help with your celebration.”
What not to say: “Why don’t you just order takeout?” (This overlooks the importance of traditional foods.)
Small gestures, like offering to help or sending a sweet note, make the holiday feel even more special.
Gifts and Gestures for Rosh Hashanah
While gifts aren’t required, small tokens like flowers, honey, or a card can be a lovely way to celebrate. Food gifts should respect kosher dietary laws if the recipient follows them.
Real-life scenario: You want to bring something to your boss’s Rosh Hashanah gathering.
What to say: “Shanah Tovah! I brought some honey for a sweet new year.”
What not to say: “I got you some bacon-wrapped treats!” (This ignores kosher rules.)
Check if they keep kosher before bringing food, and stick to safe options like fruit or sweets.
Conclusion
Knowing what do you say to someone celebrating Rosh Hashanah is all about spreading kindness and respect.
Whether you use “Shanah Tovah” or a personalized message, your words can brighten someone’s holiday.
This Jewish New Year is a time for hope, reflection, and connection, so your thoughtful greeting or gesture can make a big difference.
Keep it simple, sincere, and sensitive to their traditions, and you’ll show you care. Here’s to wishing your loved ones a sweet and joyful Rosh Hashanah!
