The holiday marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and leads up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.

Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year,” observed on the first two days of the Jewish new year. This year, Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year of 5785. The Jewish holiday celebrates the birthday of the universe and "the day G‑d created Adam and Eve."

Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish new year and the beginning of the High Holy Days in the Jewish religion, takes place around the world this week. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, starts at sundown on Wednesday,