Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

-- guest post by Michelle Gregory --

Rosh Hashanah

2026 Dates: Begins at sunset on Friday, September 11, 2026, and ends afternightfall on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה, “Head of the Year”) marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days. More than a celebration of a new year, it is a time of reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for personal growth. Judaism is both a religion and an ethnocultural identity. Jewish people share a common history, culture, traditions, and ancestry, and many identify as culturally or ethnically Jewish regardless of their level of religious observance. As a result, participation in Rosh Hashanah varies widely. Even Jews who do not consider themselves religious may attend synagogue, gather with family, share a festive meal, or participate in cultural traditions. Rosh Hashanah is one of the most widely observed days of the year and an important expression of Jewish identity, heritage, and community.

How is Rosh Hashanah observed?

Observance varies by individual, family, and denomination. Many Jewish people:

  • Attend synagogue services and hear the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn).

  • Eat symbolic foods including apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year, pomegranates, and round challah representing the cycle of the year.

  • Begin a period of reflection known as the Ten Days of Awe, culminating in Yom Kippur.

  • Increase acts of charity (tzedakah) and begin making amends with others.

A traditional greeting is “Shanah Tovah” (“Good Year” or “Happy New Year”).

Supporting Jewish Employees, Learners, and Patients

Many Jewish faculty, staff, students, and trainees request time away from work or educational activities to attend services or celebrate with family, while others may work or observe in different ways. There is no single “correct” way to celebrate. When possible, managers, supervisors, faculty, and colleagues can support inclusion by:

  • Avoiding scheduling important meetings, examinations, interviews, or mandatory events during Rosh Hashanah whenever operationally feasible.

  • Offering flexibility for religious observance.

  • Avoiding assumptions about how an individual practices Judaism.

  • Wishing colleagues a “Shanah Tovah” if they celebrate.

Patients may also wish to observe aspects of the holiday while receiving care. Some hospitalized patients may appreciate assistance accessing livestreamed synagogue services or connecting with OHSU Spiritual Care or the Community Chaplain.

Yom Kippur

2026 Dates: Begins at sunset on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends afternightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026.

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

The day focuses on reflection, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and personal renewal. In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, many Jewish people seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged and increase acts of charity (tzedakah). Like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is observed by Jewish people across the religious spectrum. Many secular and culturally Jewish individuals participate in Yom Kippur services, fast, gather with family, or spend time reflecting alongside their religious counterparts. For the Jewish people, Yom Kippur represents an important connection to identity, family, and community.

How is Yom Kippur observed?

Observances vary widely, but many Jewish people:

  • Observe a fast of approximately 25 hours, refraining from food and drink.

  • Spend the day in prayer, contemplation, repentance, and self-reflection.

  • Participate in Yizkor, a memorial service honoring loved ones who have died.

  • Conclude the holiday with the sounding of the shofar and a communal break-fast meal

Traditional greetings include (avoid saying “happy holiday”)

  • G’mar Chatimah Tovah (“May you be sealed for a good year.”)

  • Tzom Kal (“Have an easy fast.”)

  • Have a meaningful fast.

Supporting Jewish Employees, Learners, and Patients

Jewish tradition places a high value on preserving life and protecting health (pikuach nefesh). Caring for patients and preserving life take precedence over religious obligations when necessary. As with all religious and cultural traditions, Jewish observance is highly personal. The High Holy Days are among the most widely observed dates in the Jewish calendar. Managers, faculty, supervisors, colleagues, and care teams can foster an inclusive environment by

  • Avoiding mandatory meetings, interviews, examinations, or mandatory educational activities on Yom Kippur.

  • Providing flexibility for religious observance.

  • Recognizing that fasting may affect energy levels and allowing reasonable accommodations when appropriate.

  • Avoiding assumptions about who will or will not observe the holiday.

Patients

Jewish tradition also recognizes that fasting should never compromise health.

Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, recovering from surgery, living with chronic medical conditions, taking medications that require food, or whose medical team advises against fasting are generally encouraged to prioritize their health. Some individuals who cannot complete a full fast may choose a modified observance, while others may consult both their healthcare professional and clergy member when deciding how to observe the holiday safely.

Patients who are hospitalized or unable to attend synagogue may appreciate assistance connecting with livestreamed High Holy Day services or OHSU Spiritual Care. The Jewish Employee Resource Group (JERG) is also happy to help connect patients and families with appropriate community resources.

Communications ChairComment