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Rosh Hashanah: Renewal and Reflection

18/09/2025

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks a moment of renewal and reflection. Celebrated on the first two days of Tishrei (sundown Sept. 22 to sundown Sept. 24, 2025), it opens the High Holy Days, a period dedicated to introspection and growth. Holiday traditions include the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn bugle, and eating symbolic foods. These include apples dipped in honey for a sweet year, pomegranates for abundance and the many good deeds we aspire to, and the round challah loaf, which embodies continuity.

Beyond its rituals, Rosh Hashanah carries themes that strongly resonate with NOA’s mission. Indeed, the beginning of the new year calls for self-examination, just as our work encourages societies to evaluate their efforts in combating antisemitism. The holiday also strengthens community bonds, mirroring NOA’s goal of reinforcing Jewish presence and heritage across Europe. And it offers hope for renewal, a reminder that resilience and solidarity are possible even in the most challenging times.

Today, European Jewish communities celebrate Rosh Hashanah in diverse ways: breathing new life into traditions in places of Jewish revival, or safeguarding them in contexts of rising antisemitism. But what is shared across the continent is the sense of identity and belonging that comes with marking the holiday.

As the shofar’s call awakens us to new beginnings, may this year inspire reflection, dialogue and collective action. Rosh Hashanah reminds us that building inclusive societies starts with listening, remembering and renewing our shared commitment to dignity and respect.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah—A good and sweet year to all.