Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County

Rosh Hashanah
2026/5787

Federation and our community partners offer special resources to help you observe the holidays and stay connected with your community, as well as opportunities to help those in need.

Red script lettering reading Shana Tova above apples arranged in a gradient from deep red to green with a bowl of honey

Guide to the Holidays

The High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar. This 10-day period, known as the “Days of Awe,” is a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal. Jews around the world use this season to look back on the past year, seek forgiveness, make amends, and set intentions for the year ahead.

A Rosh Hashanah still life of red apples, a jar of honey with a wooden dipper, a round braided challah, a shofar and a pomegranate on cream linen

Rosh Hashanah

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 11

First Day: Saturday, September 12 · Second Day: Sunday, September 13

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is both a joyous celebration and a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Traditionally, Jews eat sweet foods like apples and honey, challah, and tzimmes — a slow-cooked stew of carrots and dried fruit — to symbolize a sweet new year. The challah is round as a reminder of the never-ending cycle of life. Click here for more frequently asked questions about Rosh Hashanah.

When the Holidays Fall on Shabbat

This year, the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, so a few holiday traditions are observed differently:

  • Friday, September 11: Light the combined Shabbat and holiday candles before sunset.
  • Saturday, September 12: Because it is Shabbat, the shofar is not sounded and Tashlich is not performed.
  • Sunday, September 13: The shofar is sounded and Tashlich may be performed on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
  • Candles for the second night of Rosh Hashanah are lit after Shabbat ends, using a flame that was lit before Shabbat.

Note: Jewish holiday practices may vary by tradition; consult your synagogue or rabbi for guidance.

Remembering 9/11

As we welcome Rosh Hashanah this year, we also mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. On an evening devoted to reflection, remembrance, and hope for the year ahead, we pause to honor the lives lost, those whose lives were forever changed, and all who responded with courage and compassion.

A Yom Kippur still life of a white and blue tallit prayer shawl, a lit memorial candle, a prayer book and a shofar on a pale surface

Yom Kippur

Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20

Yom Kippur Day: Monday, September 21

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, when we ask forgiveness for the wrongs we have committed over the past year. The Jewish people fast on this day.

How long does Yom Kippur last?

Yom Kippur, which falls 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, lasts one day. It begins at sundown and concludes at sundown the following day. The fast itself lasts 25 hours. Click here for more frequently asked questions about Yom Kippur.

Note: Jewish holiday practices may vary by tradition; consult your synagogue or rabbi for guidance.

A Sukkot still life of a lulav and etrog beside an autumn harvest of gourds, grapes, figs and pomegranates under a leafy sukkah roof

Sukkot

Erev Sukkot: Friday, September 25

First Day: Saturday, September 26 · Second Day: Sunday, September 27

What is Sukkot?

Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that celebrates the harvest and reminds us of the time the Israelites lived in temporary shelters after leaving Egypt.

Sukkot at Home

Families often build a hut called a sukkah outside their home, where they eat meals and sometimes sleep. A sukkah needs at least three walls, often made of wood, canvas, or big sheets, and a roof, often made from palm branches or corn stalks. The roof should provide shade during the day and let you see the stars at night. Click here to learn more about Sukkot and how to celebrate at home and in your community.

When the Holidays Fall on Shabbat

This year, the first day of Sukkot falls on Shabbat, so a few holiday traditions are observed differently:

  • Friday, September 25: Light the combined Shabbat and holiday candles before sunset.
  • Saturday, September 26: Eat and spend time in the sukkah as usual, but do not take or shake the lulav and etrog on Shabbat.
  • Candles for the second night of Sukkot are lit after Shabbat ends, using a flame that was lit before Shabbat.
  • Sunday, September 27: Resume the mitzvah of taking the lulav and etrog.

Note: Jewish holiday practices may vary by tradition; consult your synagogue or rabbi for guidance.

Multi-Heritage High Holidays

Families come to Jewish life with many different traditions, backgrounds, and experiences, and everyone belongs in the celebration. Explore welcoming, easy-to-use resources designed to help multi-heritage families experience the High Holidays together in ways that feel meaningful, comfortable, and authentically their own.

A sweet new year

Featured Recipes

Honey Whole Wheat Challah

Get Recipe >>

Green Beans with Honey Tahini Glaze

Get Recipe >>

Honey Pomegranate Cake

Get Recipe >>

Classic Potato Kugel

Get Recipe >>

One Bowl Honey Cake Recipe

Get Recipe >>

Families and Children

Honey, honeycomb, apples, pomegranate and flowers arranged across a white stone table

PJ Library® | High Holidays

This helpful PJ Library® guide explores ways for your family to celebrate the Jewish High Holiday season. From blessings and traditions to hands-on ideas, it offers simple and meaningful ways to bring the holidays to life at home.

Download Guide >>

PJ Library®/Kohl JVC Family Project

Download, print out, and color Rosh Hashanah-themed holiday cards and send them to us. The whole family can enjoy making these cards together, and cards will be delivered alongside High Holiday meals, spreading cheer across our community.

Download Project >>

High Holiday Resources for Grandparents

The Jewish Grandparents Network offers a variety of resources to help grandparents celebrate the High Holidays with their grandchildren. Browse recipes, activities, and more.

Explore More >>

Playlists for Your Holiday

Synagogue Resources

A shofar beside a jar of honey, an apple and a pomegranate

Community Synagogues

Looking for a synagogue to observe the High Holidays? Explore this listing of synagogues across our local Jewish community, complete with contact information to help you connect for holiday services and family programming.

Explore Community Synagogues >>
L’Shana Tova Tikatevu

Guides for Welcoming Holidays

Ensure everyone feels welcome and included during the High Holidays with comprehensive guides for creating welcoming synagogue and community experiences.

Resources for Educators

Discover a variety of tools and materials for educators to effectively teach and celebrate the High Holidays in educational settings.

Experiencing the High Holidays in Israel

Explore meaningful connections between Israel and the High Holidays with resources that enhance your spiritual journey and deepen your understanding of Jewish traditions.

Volunteer Opportunities During the High Holidays

Meal Packing and Delivery with KindKitchen

Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, October 2

Your hands-on service brings the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) to life, while ensuring everyone in our community can observe the High Holidays with dignity and joy.

Prep, Pack, or Deliver

Days and times are listed below. Please click the sign up online button to register for a shift. Every meal goes to a neighbor in our local community, including homebound seniors, veterans, Holocaust survivors, and families in need.

Prep + Pack Deliveries

Sept 8 · 15 · 22 · 29

Tuesday
9:00–10:30am Prep and Pack

Sept 9 · 16 · 23 · 30

Wednesday
9:00–10:30am Prep and Pack 1:00–2:30pm Prep and Pack

Sept 10 · 17 · 24 · Oct 1

Thursday
8:30–9:30am Prep and Pack 9:00am–12:00pm Deliveries

Sept 11 · 18 · 25 · Oct 2

Friday
8:30–9:30am Prep and Pack 9:00am–12:00pm Deliveries

Meal packing and pickup location:
844 Prosperity Farms Road
North Palm Beach

Register by email >> Sign Up Online

Apples, honey and pomegranates arranged on a deep green background

In need of a holiday meal or know someone in need? Sign up for Meals | The Kind Kitchen

close menu icon

Board Portal