Shanah Tovah! Yes, it's Jewish New Year, which is also known as Rosh Hashanah.
This year the celebration runs from sunset tonight (Sunday, October 2) through to nightfall on Tuesday (October 4).
But what exactly is Rosh Hashanah? And how come people are celebrating New Year now?
Why is this Jewish tradition so important and how exactly is it celebrated?
Well, luckily for you we've put together a simple cheat sheet with everything you need to know about the Jewish New Year.
What is Rosh Hashanah?Rosh Hashanah – or to give it its Hebrew translation 'the head of the year' – is the Jewish New Year.
It's considered a major date in the Jewish calendar, and the majority of Jews keep or mark it in some way, regardless of their levels of religious observance the rest of the year. This year it kicks off tonight (Wednesday) and comes to an end at sunset on Friday.
Are there any traditional Jewish New Year greetings?Yes, say Shana Tova, which is Hebrew for 'a good year'.
Some people also say Shanah Tovah Umetukah, meaning 'a good and sweet year' too.
Why is it in October?That's because Jewish festivals are determined by the Hebrew calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.
And if you think the whole New Year in September thing's nuts, get this. While it's 2016 in the Gregorian calendar, the Hebrew calendar is moving into the year 5777. Crazy, right?
How do Jews mark Rosh Hashanah?Most Jews will mark the festival by attending their synagogue and spending time with family and friends.
Although it's a time for celebration, it's also regarded as quite a solemn festival.
People are encouraged to take the opportunity for personal reflection and ask forgiveness for their wrongdoings over the year just gone.
Is there any special food?Oh come now, this is a Jewish holiday we're talking about – of course there's food.
Traditionally you eat apples dipped in honey, in the hope of having a sweet year, and honey cake… which is delicious.
Are there any other traditions or customs?If you go to synagogue on Rosh Hashanah you'll hear the Shofar – an instrument made out of a ram's horn – being blown, to remind you to think about your actions in the past year, repent, start afresh etc.
It sounds like this:
Anything else?
It's also traditional to wear white (as a colour of purity). New clothes are also traditional.
The following week is regarded as a period of reflection (although normal life resumes), culminating next weekend in the festival of Yom Kippur – a 25-hour fast during which the whole 'repenting' business reaches its peak – and you get a bit peckish.
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