Second Day of the Jewish New Year

What Is Second Day of the Jewish New Year?

The Second Day of the Jewish New Year refers to the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the annual celebration of the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is a significant observance in Judaism, marking the start of the High Holy Days, a ten-day period culminating in Yom Kippur. Unlike most other Jewish festivals, Rosh Hashanah is observed for two days in all Jewish communities around the world, including within Israel.

This observance is a time for introspection, prayer, and renewal, focusing on themes of judgment and repentance. It serves as a spiritual accounting for the year past and a dedication for the year ahead. The practices and solemnity of the first day are largely continued into the second.

History and Origins of Second Day of the Jewish New Year

The historical rationale for observing a second day for most Jewish holidays outside of Israel, known as yom tov sheni shel galuyot (the second festival day of the Diaspora), stems from ancient calendar-setting practices. In antiquity, the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court) in Jerusalem would determine the start of a new month based on eyewitness testimony of the new moon. Messengers were then dispatched to inform communities. Due to unreliable communication, especially for those living far from Jerusalem, an additional day was added to festivals to ensure proper observance, as they might receive the news late.

Rosh Hashanah, however, presents a unique case. Even in Israel, where communication was not an issue for communities close to Jerusalem, Rosh Hashanah has historically been observed for two days. This tradition is known as Yoma Arichta, meaning ‘a long day’ or an ‘extended single day’. This concept arose because the new moon for Tishrei (the month of Rosh Hashanah) often fell close to sunset, making it difficult to determine definitively whether the new month began on the evening of the 29th or 30th day of the preceding month, Elul. To avoid any doubt regarding the precise start of the New Year, both possible days were treated with the sanctity of Rosh Hashanah. This practice became universally adopted and continues to be observed by all branches of Judaism globally.

How Second Day of the Jewish New Year Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Second Day of the Jewish New Year largely mirror those of the first day, emphasising prayer, reflection, and communal gatherings. Jewish communities attend extended synagogue services that feature special liturgical prayers unique to the High Holy Days. These prayers include the Musaf (additional) service, the solemn Unetaneh Tokef, and Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King).

Observances and Customs

The sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn) is a central feature of the synagogue service. If the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on a Sabbath, the shofar is not typically sounded that day. In such cases, the primary shofar blowing then takes place on the Second Day of the Jewish New Year. Following synagogue services, families gather for festive meals, which often include symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey for a sweet year, pomegranates for abundant blessings, and challah baked in a round shape, symbolising the cyclical nature of the year.

Evening Customs

On the evening commencing the Second Day of the Jewish New Year (the second night of Rosh Hashanah), it is customary to perform the Shehecheyanu blessing. This blessing expresses gratitude for new experiences and reaching another significant time. To properly recite Shehecheyanu on the second night, a ‘new fruit’ – one that has not been eaten since its season began – is often placed on the table and eaten after Kiddush (sanctification over wine). This provides a new occasion for the blessing, distinct from the first night. The focus throughout the two days remains on spiritual introspection, personal growth, and communal prayer for a favourable divine decree in the coming year.

When Is Second Day of the Jewish New Year?

The Second Day of the Jewish New Year falls on the 2nd day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Rosh Hashanah itself commences on the 1st day of Tishrei and continues through the 2nd. As the Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar, its dates vary annually when correlated with the Gregorian calendar.

Typically, the Second Day of the Jewish New Year occurs in September or early October. For example, if the 1st of Tishrei falls on a Monday, the 2nd of Tishrei would be on a Tuesday. The start of each day in the Hebrew calendar begins at sunset of the preceding Gregorian day. Therefore, the observances for the Second Day of the Jewish New Year commence at sunset following the first day.

Second Day of the Jewish New Year Key Facts