When is Rosh Hashanah 2012?

This Sunday, as the day draws to a close, the Jewish community will ring in year 5773 as part of their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year. The festivities will continue until nightfall on Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Worshippers can find services throughout Fairfield County.

At the , the Sunday service will be held at 6:45 p.m. followed by dinner. A morning service will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. followed by a shofar sounding at 11 a.m. and evening services and Tashlich at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday's morning services start at 9 a.m. followed by a shofar sounding at 11 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” signals the beginning of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, marks the end, and together they are two of the holiest days for Jews.

Like most New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection and a time to bring about changes in the coming year. The traditional blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn, during services on Rosh Hashanah marks a time to contemplate past mistakes and find ways to make things right.

On this day, as on Sabbath, Jews avoid work and spend the day with family. And where there’s a family gathering, can food be far behind? It’s no surprise that after services Jewish families tuck into an elaborate spread of traditional dishes.

The day begins with eating apples dipped in honey, in hopes that the new year will also be sweet. Another tradition is to bake challah, a round-shaped bread that is a symbol of the circle of life.

Here’s wishing you L’shanah Tovah—the traditional Happy New Year greeting— and B'tayavon (that’s Hebrew for bon appetit)!

How are you celebrating Rosh Hashanah this year? Share your Rosh Hashanah recipes and traditions with us in the comments section below!