Shana Tova - On the first night of Rosh Hashana (Sunday, 9/29), we bless one another to be inscribed and sealed for a good year. Click here for the text. The text of this blessing is printed in the Machzor.

First Meal - At the Yom Tov meal on the first night of Rosh Hashana (9/29), we make Kiddush for Rosh Hashana (printed in the Machzor). We then begin the meal by dipping the challah in honey. Immediately thereafter we dip an apple in honey, say the appropriate blessing of Borei Pri HaEtz and recite a short prayer. Then we eat a number of symbolic foods, which, according to various customs, can include any or all of the following: a fish or ram’s head, pomegranates, figs, dates, carrots and leeks. All of these foods are eaten exclusively on the first night of Rosh Hashana, with the exception of dipping the challah in honey, which is done at all holiday and Shabbat meals until after Hoshana Rabba.

Shofar - Everyone must hear the shofar blown on both days of Rosh Hashana. In Shul, the shofar is blown a total of 100 times (according to Chabad custom, 130 times). Those who cannot make it to Shul should arrange to hear the shofar blown for the minimum requirement of 30 sounds.

Tashlich - We say Tashlich on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashana, Monday, 9/30. We go to a body of water that contains fish and recite the Tashlich prayers after Minchah.

Second Day Preparations - Preparations for the second day of Rosh Hashana should not be done until after nightfall on Monday evening, 9/30 at 7:20 PM. Preparations include: lighting Yom Tov candles from a pre-existing flame, cooking and setting the table.

Fast of Gedalia - The fast is observed this year on Wednesday, 10/2. The fast begins at 5:27 AM and ends at 7:04 PM. Nursing and pregnant women do not need to fast.