A new year calls for a celebration, and the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, is no exception. Rosh Hashanah celebrations look a bit different than secular new year. Rather than centering around partying, they focus on introspection and prayer. Read on to learn more about the holiday and find the perfect Rosh Hashanah gift for an upcoming celebration.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah, which directly translates to “head of the year,” is the Jewish new year. Unlike the secular new year, which is celebrated on January 1st of each year, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of the Jewish month of Tishrei, which typically falls in the fall. In 2026, Rosh Hashanah begins at nightfall on September 11th and ends on September 13th.
Main Themes of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of a set of Jewish holidays known as the High Holidays, which includes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These are considered the holiest days of the year.
Rather than the raucous and celebratory secular new year, the Jewish new year balances celebration with more somber, serious themes, like:
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Teshuvah: Rosh Hashanah begins a period of teshuvah, or repentance. It’s believed that, on this day, God opens the Book of Life and makes a judgement on what the next year holds for each person. We all then have until Yom Kippur to right our wrongs and repent for our sins. On Yom Kippur, the Book of Life closes and our fates are sealed.
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Sweetness: The primary greeting on Rosh Hashanah is for a “shanah tovah u’metukah.” This translates to a good and sweet new year. We dip apples in honey and eat challah with raisins as a toast to the sweetness of the upcoming year.
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Celebration of life: While Rosh Hashanah has its somber moments, it’s a celebratory holiday, too. We celebrate the creation of the world and the year to come.
Rosh Hashanah Gifts Under $25
You don’t have to spend a lot to purchase a meaningful gift for friends and family on Rosh Hashanah. Read on to learn our favorite Rosh Hashanah gifts under $25.
Honey
On Rosh Hashanah, honey is the name of the game. Whether dipping apples or challah in honey or indulging in honey cake, this sweet and decadent treat is believed to bring sweetness into the new year. Consider gifting an artisan bottle of honey from a local bee farmer or specialty shop.
Round Challah
While long loaves of challah are the norm throughout the year, round challah is traditional on Rosh Hashanah. The circular shape is believed to represent many different things: the cycle of life, the crown that God, the king, wears, and the ever-turning wheel of our fate in God’s hands.
Rosh Hashanah challah is also sweeter than most others and studded with raisins, a nod to the sweetness of the new year.
A word to the wise: Rosh Hashanah challahs are extremely popular and tend to sell out quickly! Contact your local bakery ahead of time to see if they accept pre-orders to ensure you get your hands on one.
Rosh Hashanah Gifts Under $50
Luncheons and celebratory dinners are customary on Rosh Hashanah. If you’ve been invited to one, a host gift under $50 is a nice gesture that shows your appreciation. These gifts are a few of our favorites.
Honey Jar
To toast to a sweet new year with something a little more than a jar of honey, give a refillable honey jar as your Rosh Hashanah gift. These decorative jars make both a functional and beautiful gift. Ours features a teak wood lid with a built-in honey dipper for easy use. Your hosts will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Challah Cover
On Rosh Hashanah and all other Jewish holidays, it’s customary to cover your challah with a decorative cloth. There are a few different explanations for this tradition. Some say that the challah is like the Shabbat bride and the cover is her veil. Others suggest that we cover the bread because it is blessed last, after the candles and the wine, and covering it prevents it from feeling shamed or left out.
Whatever the reason, a challah cover is a great Rosh Hashanah gift that can be used each week of the year. Ours comes in a variety of colors so you can find a perfect complement to their decor.
Gratitude Journal
Self reflection and improvement is central to Rosh Hashanah. The holiday is meant to give us an opportunity to look back on the past year and begin to fix any of our wrongdoings, and what better way to do so than by journaling?
Help your friends and family cultivate an attitude of gratitude with a Jewish gratitude journal. This journal offers a 12-week framework inspired by Jewish wisdom. It provides an opportunity to write freely, reflect quietly, or share the experience with friends and family.
Rosh Hashanah Gifts Under $100
For close friends and family, or a truly meaningful gesture, consider giving a Rosh Hashanah gift in the $50 to $100 range. These are our best recommendations for a thoughtful gift.
Candleholders
Candles are central to every Jewish holiday. Each holiday celebration begins with the lighting of two candles, typically done by the women of the family. Traditionally, the candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset to usher in the holy day. The custom brings peace and holy light into the home.
Candleholders are another Rosh Hashanah gift that blends the functional with the beautiful. Our handcrafted Shabbat candleholders are crafted from solid wood with brass accents, for modern, understated elegance.
Kiddush Cup
The Kiddush is a blessing said over wine on Jewish holidays. It translates directly to “sanctification” and is believed to make the day holy. While any cup can be used for Kiddush, a designated Kiddush cup makes the act special. Ours is made from handmade ceramic for a fresh, modern take on a traditional item.
Discover Meaningful Jewish Gifts at Oneg Home
Find thoughtful Rosh Hashanah gifts and ritual objects for Jewish life at Oneg Home. Our handmade items make practicing Judaism more accessible and meaningful. Made in contemporary designs, they’re the perfect addition to a modern Jewish life.
