Rosh Hashanah Events in Jerusalem 2023Fri | Sep 15 | 11:00AM
Rosh Hashanah Events in Jerusalem 2023 and exact dates will be updated as soon as they become available. Meanwhile, you can check out last year’s events.
Dates & Times
September 15-17 2023
11:00 - 20:00
Rosh Hashanah, which means the head of the year, takes place for two consecutive days. The first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually come out around September.
Like many other Jewish festivals, its customs center around the synagogue and home, with large festive meals for family and friends. Before the festival, you are likely to see round challah (braided sweet bread) in many Jerusalem bakeries. The round shape symbolizes the yearly cycle and the circle of life. You are also likely to find a honey cake in many bakeries, as sweet foods such as honey have come to symbolize hopes for a “sweet new year.”
Be sure to sample some honey cake and purchase some honey to dip an apple into – a widespread Jewish custom this time of year. It is also customary to eat fruit, such as pomegranates, that’s usually not consumed during the season.
On the Jewish new year, people spend many hours in synagogues around the city, and the city’s shops close. It creates a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, a distinct contrast to regular days when Jerusalem bustles with activity.
Walk down to the Western Wall (Kotel) to see thousands of people congregating for special prayers. You may even get to hear the shofar (ram’s horn) blown, a central part of the prayer services on Rosh Hashanah.
And, if you like, try wishing people “Shanah Tovah,” which means “Have a good year” in Hebrew.
Rosh Hashana 2022 begins on the eve of Sunday, September 25th, and ends Tuesday, September 27th after sunset. Check out some events around town during and around the holiday.
Rosh Hashana Hot Deals for 2022 in Jerusalem
Here are some great Rosh Hashana deals on hotels and vacation rentals that will make sure you start your new Jewish year with a clean and fresh mind. Shana Tova!
Rosh Hashana Events 2022
Selichot Tours in Jerusalem
40 days before Yom Kippur, the Sephardi Jews begin reciting the Selichot (forgiveness) prayers, starting at midnight and in the morning.
Their importance to the Jewish population is increasing as Yom Kippur approaches. Before Rosh Hashanah and until Yom Kippur, the alleys of the Old City, as well as the Western Wall plaza, are filled with tens of thousands of visitors. They’re all taking part in what has become a must for spiritual seekers in recent years – Selichot Tours.
Independently or organized, they all go down to the Western Wall, and everyone is responding “Amen” to the public messenger, holding prayer books in their hands. And all, mind you, in the dead of night. A real sight to behold.
View Selichot tours (in Hebrew) >>
Special Selichot Tours with Begin Center
In addition to the regular Selichot Tours, the Menachem Begin Heritage Center invites you to join a tour of Mount Herzl – the resting place of warriors and dreamers.
Together we will take a tour following the people and events that shaped Jerusalem; from the days of the Bible to nowadays.
The tours will take place on Thursdays at 16:00, and Fridays at 9:00.
10 NIS per participant, including transportation from the museum.
For more details and registration (In Hebrew) >>
Last Shabbat of the year with Beit Avi Chai
Join Beit Avi Chai on Friday, September 23rd for one of a kind Shabbat reception event during which we say goodbye to the departing year of the Jewish calendar.
Beit Avi Chai will host a musical-literary session devoted to hope, forgiveness, prayer, and, of course, a new beginning. “The year and its curses may end: The year and its blessings may begin.”
The event features Morin Nehedar, Rona Keenan, Shai Tsabari, Amichai Hasson, Hacham David Menachem and the Yagel Harush Ensemble.
Price: 60 NIS
For students and soldiers: 30 NIS
Details and Reservations (In Hebrew) >>
Saturday Tours for Rosh Hashanah -September 24th
Join the Jerusalem Municipality for three fascinating Saturday tours, just before Rosh Hashanah. Check out and book a free tour, customized for religious people who honor Shabbat.
A tour of the Old Talpiot and Arnona: a fascinating tour following the stories and personalities who visited and were active in the beloved neighborhoods – from Eliezer Ben Yehuda to Albert Einstein.
Order >>
Gardens and Towers Tour: Join an experiential tour of the west of the city following Andalusian gardens, the history of the YMCA, the story of Herod, and more.
Order >>
Tour the Muslim Quarter in the Old City: Learn about the Jewish families who lived in the Muslim Quarter, hear the stories about the Small Wall and listen to the story of the builders of the quarter.
Order >>
Holidays in Jerusalem
Yom Kippur in Jerusalem >>>
Sukkot in Jerusalem >>>
Where to Stay in Jerusalem
Visiting Jerusalem for the holidays? Check out the city’s great variety of accommodation options:
All Hotels in Jerusalem
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Best Vacation Rentals in Jerusalem
Restaurants in Jerusalem
Looking for a good restaurant for Erev Chag? Here are some high-quality places that the city has to offer:
All Restaurants in Jerusalem
Recommended by iTravelJerusalem
Dates & Times
September 15-17 2023
11:00 - 20:00