Lancaster, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Lancaster community can participate in free high holiday services for Rosh Hashanah, celebrating the Jewish New Year from sunset on September 22 to nightfall on September 24. Rohr Chabad of Lancaster offers traditional melodies, bilingual prayers, and holiday sermons. The observance emphasizes reflection and connection with one’s heritage, alongside unique rituals such as the Tashlich ceremony and enjoying symbolic foods. Upcoming services will further culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Lancaster community members can take part in free high holiday services for Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. This year’s observance commenced at sunset on Monday, Sept. 22, and will conclude at nightfall on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Rosh Hashanah serves as a prelude to Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Rohr Chabad of Lancaster is providing no-cost high holiday services aimed at serving the local Jewish community. The offerings include traditional melodies, holiday sermons, and bilingual prayers, encouraging involvement from members regardless of their background. Rabbi Elazar Green emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in uplifting and caring for the world during the holiday.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with unique traditions. The holiday is synonymous with ringing in the New Year with the Shofar, a ram’s horn, and partaking in symbolic foods, such as apples dipped in honey, which represent the hope for blessings and peace in the coming year. This time symbolizes both a reflection on the past year and anticipation for the future, marking the year 5786 according to the Hebrew calendar.
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah allows individuals to connect with the memories and experiences of their ancestors, acknowledging the creation of humanity, often referenced as the “birthday of the world.” Special prayers, songs, and community gatherings are crucial components of the celebration, most notably the Tashlich ceremony, where participants toss bread into water to symbolize casting off sins.
Upcoming services at Rohr Chabad of Lancaster include:
- Tuesday, Sept. 23: Services at 10 a.m. followed by Tashlikh at 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 24: Services at 10 a.m., followed by Shofar and lunch at 2 p.m.
Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, will follow Rosh Hashanah. Observance begins on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with a pre-fast dinner at 5:15 p.m. and Kol Nidre services at 6:30 p.m. This day culminates in a 26-hour fast focusing on reflection and repentance.
The two-day celebration of Rosh Hashanah is referred to as yoma arichta, or “a long day,” with the dates varying yearly, landing in either September or October based on the Hebrew calendar. Many Jewish people engage in festive meals featuring symbolic foods like round challahs, which represent the cycle of the year. It is customary not to work on Rosh Hashanah, aligning with practices observed during the Sabbath. During the holiday, traditional greetings include “Happy Rosh Hashanah” and “Shanah Tovah” (good year).
FAQ
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and lasts for two days.
When does Rosh Hashanah 5786 start and end?
It commenced at sunset on Monday, Sept. 22, and concludes at nightfall on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
What services are offered by Rohr Chabad of Lancaster for Rosh Hashanah?
Services include traditional melodies, holiday sermons, and bilingual prayers.
What traditions are celebrated during Rosh Hashanah?
Traditions include ringing in the New Year with the Shofar, eating symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey, and performing the Tashlich ceremony.
What is the significance of Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, follows Rosh Hashanah and focuses on reflection and repentance.
Key Features of Rosh Hashanah Celebration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Two days, from sunset on Sept. 22 to nightfall on Sept. 24 |
| Key Symbol | Shofar (Ram’s Horn) |
| Special Foods | Apples dipped in honey, round challahs |
| Tashlich Ceremony | Tossing bread into water to symbolize casting off sins |
| Next Significant Holiday | Yom Kippur, starting Oct. 1 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Rosh Hashanah 2025 Starts Holiday
- Commercial Appeal: Rosh Hashanah Celebrated
- Palm Beach Post: What & When of Rosh Hashanah
- Wikipedia: Rosh Hashanah
- Google Search: Rosh Hashanah 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
