Rosh Hashanah - Israel begins its year on Rosh Hashanah. Government correspondence, newspapers, and most broadcasting carry the "Jewish date" first. Felicitations for the new year are generally tendered before Rosh Hashanah, not in late December

Marking the beginning of the Jewish new year, the origins of Rosh Hashanah is Biblical (Lev. 23:23­25): "a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts [of the shofar]." 

The term Rosh Hashanah, "beginning of the year," is rabbinical, as are the formidable themes of the festival: repentance, preparation for the day of Divine judgment and prayer for a fruitful year. 

Major customs of Rosh Hashanah include the sounding of the shofar in the middle of a lengthy service that focuses on the festival themes, and elaborate meals at home to inaugurate the new year.

The prayer liturgy is augmented with prayers of repentance and the Hallel, a collection of blessings and psalms recited on Rosh Hashanah, at the beginning of each new month, on the three pilgrimage festivals, and on occasions of public deliverance. 

In many senses, Israel begins its year on Rosh Hashanah. 

Government correspondence, newspapers, and most broadcasting, to give only three examples, carry the "Jewish date" first. 

Felicitations for the new year are generally tendered before Rosh Hashanah, not in late December.

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