Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins tomorrow and will culminate with an observance of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, ten days later. Rosh Hashanah means families gather for a traditional seder, or ceremonial meal, while Yom Kippur traditionally requires 25 hours of fasting.  Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, focusing on repentance, and seeking forgiveness. Both holidays emphasize repentance and renewal, regardless of which Jewish community might observe them. However, Jewish religious practices are diverse, depending on the geographic location or community, reflecting unique histories and cultures. Chabad.org lists several unique ways families observe Rosh Hashana in different regions of the Middle East:

1. Djerba, Tunisia: Children collect fallen olives from orchards, which are then pickled and used in a traditional blessing¹.

2. Iraq: Families traditionally slaughter a ram, which is then prepared and served during the holiday meal¹.

3. Syria: After getting a pre-Rosh Hashanah haircut, people bless their barbers in Arabic, wishing them happiness¹.

4. Western Europe: It is customary to pay off all debts before Rosh Hashanah to enter the new year unencumbered¹.

5. Turkey: Some Sephardic Jews avoid honey due to kosher concerns and instead dip apples in sugar¹.

6. Morocco: Families enjoy a meal with seven cooked vegetables, symbolizing the seventh month of the Jewish calendar¹.

7. Yemen: The shofar (ram’s horn) is blown early in the morning, in addition to the traditional times during the service¹.

8. Iran: It is customary to recite the entire book of Psalms twice in the home of someone who has passed away during the past year¹.

Read the whole article for further details. These diverse customs also reflect diverse local customs within Israel which is a highly culturally diverse country that includes Jewish communities with roots in Middle Eastern countries. 

May our friends who observe the coming holidays enjoy quality time with friends and family. L’shanah tovah u’metukah!

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