Rosh Hashanah Events in Jerusalem 2019Sun | Sep 1 | 11:00AM
Dates & Times
September 1-30 2019
11:00 - 20:00
Rosh Hashanah, which literally means the head of the year, takes place over the course of 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, where large festive meals are prepared for family and friends.
In the lead up to 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 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 apple into – a widespread Jewish custom this time of year. It is also customary to eat fruit, such as pomegranates, that have not yet been eaten during the season.
On the Jewish new year many hours are spent in synagogues around the city, and the city’s shops close, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, an obvious 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 2018 begins the eve of Sunday, September 9 and ends Tuesday, September 11 after sunset. Check out some of the events around town during and around the holiday…
Rosh Hashana Hot Deals for 2018 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!
See all the deals for iTravelJerusalem users >>
Photography courtesy of Noam Chen
Rosh Hashana Events 2018
VOCA – Families Sing Together on Shabbat
Beit Avi Chai welcomes everyone to enjoy an experiential Shabbat activity, just before Rosh Hashanah!
- Story time
- Families sing together
- Play and rest area
When: September 8, 2018, 4pm-6:30pm
Where: Beit Avi Chai, 44 King George Street, Jerusalem
Cost: Free. Reserve in advance.
Selichot Tours in Jerusalem
Sephardi Jews begin reciting the Selichot (forgiveness) prayers 40 days before Kippur, between midnight and dawn. As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the streets and the small alleyways of the Old City, as well as the Western Wall, are beginning to full up with people arriving for the new Kippur trend: Selichot Tours. You can find organized guided Selichot Tours or you can take the self-guided. You will see people gathering in groups, praying and saying Amen in front of the ancient Western Wall. The best part: it’s all happening at nights.
Rosh Hashanah Tour by Yad Ben Zvi
Join this unique tour by Yad Ben Zvi that will take you to the most magical places in Jerusalem, including Givat HaTanach (The Bible Hill) in front of the Old City walls, Yemin Moshe neighborhood, and the beautiful alleyways of Mishkanot Sha’ananim. Expect songs and stories that will get you ready for the new Jewish year.
When: September 7,2018, 9am-11am
Cost: 50 ILS/participant
Get Your Holiday Wine
Photo: Jerusalem Wineries Visitor Center
Looking to add a luxurious touch to your Rosh Hashanah meal? Check these new wines by winemaker Sam Soroka from Jerusalem Wineries:
- Gerstein Pinot Noir \ Petit Verdot 2017: Deep red wine, aged about 10 months in fine oak, with an exquisite scent of berries, oak and vanilla.
- Reserve 4990 Gewurztraminer \ Chardonnay \ Sauvignon Blanc 2017: A unique blend of grapes harvested at dawn in the vineyards of Har Bracha. This wine has a pale color and intoxicating aromas of peaches, grapefruit and even a pinch of melon.
For wine orders and details on holiday cases, contact at 072-3384989
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:
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Dates & Times
September 1-30 2019
11:00 - 20:00