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.

Although there are no synagogues or Jewish centers in Hampton or North Hampton, worshippers can find services throughout the Greater Seacoast area.

At Temple Israel in Dover, pre-High Holy Day cemetery services will be conducted at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. A Rosh Hashanah evening service will follow at 8 p.m.

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There are several services for the first day of Rosh Hashanah on Monday, Sept. 17, including a 10 a.m. morning service, a 2 p.m. Tashlich service, and a 3 p.m. family service. 

There is a special 10:30 a.m. service for the second day of Rosh Hashanah on Tuesday, Sept. 18, as well as a pot luck brunch at 11:30 a.m.

Temple Israel is located at 36 Olive Meadow Lane in Dover.

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.

So, it's time to get into that festive mood! Patch has come up with some great recipes that will make your Rosh Hoshanah meal extra special this year.

Newton Patch contributor Wendy Schapiro shared her family recipe for a mouth-watering, traditional meal complete with , and .

Want to try something new this year? Take a look at this , which Susan Silverberg shared on Culver City Patch.

In the mood for some baking and indulging that sweet tooth at the same time? Try this recipe for from West Bloomfield Patch.

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