Jewish New Year’s Day, 5771 years from the creation of the world (The date is for 2009 - 2010). This is the most important time in the Jewish year. Rosh Hashanah (literally "Head of Year") is the beginning of ten special days, called the Days of Penitence. This is the time when Jews say sorry to God for all the bad things they have done in the past year.

Rosh Hashanah Traditions

Sweet foods, like apples dipped in honey and honey cake are eaten during Rosh Hashanah. Some families also celebrate with symbolic foods like the head of a fish, pomegranates, and carrots.

The shofar, a Jewish instrument most often made from a ram’s horn is traditionally blown on Rosh HaShanah.

A two day celebration

Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish holiday which lasts for 2 entire days (considered as one very long day), and the reason for this is to emphasize its importance. In 2010 it is celebrated on 9 - 10 of September.

Note that in the Jewish calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Jews will celebrate Rosh HaShanah on the sunset of 8 September.

Also on this day ....

9 September 1845: Irish Famine Begins

A blight caused by a fungus destroyed 30 percent of the potato crop in Ireland; in 1846, 1848 and 1849 nearly the entire potato crop failed. Out of a population of 8 million, about 1 million people died in the resulting in famine and 1.5 million emigrated to the US, Canada and Australia.