Rosh Hashanah Explained
Where did the holiday come from?
The major Jewish holidays (or feasts) are typically separated into two categories: those in the fall and those in the spring. In order to explain Rosh Hashanah, the first important thing to know is where these holidays originated in the Bible.
In Leviticus 23, God details what He calls the “appointed times” (Hebrew: moedim) during the annual Jewish calendar. God knew that it was (and is!) easy for humans to fall into a ritualistic pattern of life that might not make space for time with Him. So He appointed specific times during the year as moments of remembrance, reflection and dedication for His people. He even calls these holidays “permanent” and tells His people to observe them from “generation to generation.”
Before we go any further, please make sure you understand this very important point about these holidays/feasts: God gave them to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the Jewish people. There is no Biblical command for Gentiles (non-Jews) to observe these holidays. (Read more in our paper on Torah Observance, if you’d like).
Here’s what we’re going to do. Let’s quickly look at the fall Jewish holidays by:
- The name and date of the holiday
- Mention of the holiday in the Bible
- Modern Jewish observance
Yalla chaverim! (let’s go, friends!)
Rosh Hashanah: Head of the Year
This is the holiday for the Jewish New Year. It literally means “head of the year.” In the Bible, it’s called the Feast of Trumpets, or “Yom Teruah.” It literally means “Day of Blasting” because God commanded His people on this day to blast or blow shofars (ram horns). Literally, that’s it – get together, take a day of rest, and blast you some shofars!
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which is usually in September. This year (2022), Rosh Hashanah starts at sundown on Sunday, September 25.
Rosh Hashanah Explained in Scripture
Where do you see Rosh Hashanah in the Bible?
Leviticus 23:23-25
Numbers 29:1-2
Matthew 24:31 – referencing the blasting of a trumpet
1 Corinthians 15:52 – not specifically about the holiday, but about the blasting of trumpets
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – same as above
Modern Jewish Observance
Modern Jewish communities celebrate the holiday by blowing shofars, going to synagogue for special services, and – most popularly – eating apples and honey together. This is in connection with the hope for a “sweet new year” ahead. If you’re extra interested in modern Jewish observance of this holiday, check this out.
Fun Facts
Jewish tradition believes that God created the earth on Rosh Hashanah, and many Messianic Jewish scholars believe Jesus will return on Rosh Hashanah (see the three New Testament Scriptures above)!
Further study on Israel read: A Heart for Israel

I’m trying to understand/learn what the significance/meaning of Hanukkah is. I know it means the feast of lights, but are Jewish people worshipping Yeshua with Hanukkah? By the command of God, what are they remembering/commemorating and why is it at Christmas time?
Do Messianic Jews observe Hanukkah and Christmas?
Thank you,
Jill
Hi Jill, thank you for your comment! We have a resource available that gives a little more detail about Hanukkah, check it out here: https://app.gatewayresourcelibrary.com/resource/21
To download this resource, all you need to do is create a free account to Gatewayresourcelibrary.com if you don’t already have one!