Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and a time for reflection, prayer and looking ahead to the year to come. In 2026, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Friday, 11 September and ends at nightfall on Sunday, 13 September. 

If you have a Jewish friend, family member, colleague or loved one, you may want to send them a message but be unsure what to say. Should you simply say “Happy New Year”, or is there a more traditional greeting?

This guide explains what Rosh Hashanah means, when it takes place in 2026, what greetings to use and what you can write in a card, WhatsApp message or digital eCard.

 

What Is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and marks the beginning of the Jewish year. It is an important period in the Jewish calendar and is traditionally associated with reflection, prayer and looking ahead.

The occasion is also connected with hopes for a good year ahead. Families and communities may observe Rosh Hashanah through prayer, meals and other traditions.

Because practices can vary between Jewish communities and families, it is best to keep a greeting respectful rather than assuming everyone celebrates in exactly the same way. If you want to explore how Rosh Hashanah fits into wider New Year traditions, you can also read our guide to New Year celebrations around the world. 

 

When Is Rosh Hashanah 2026?

Rosh Hashanah 2026 begins at sunset on Friday, 11 September and ends at nightfall on Sunday, 13 September.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar used for everyday dates in the UK and many other countries, Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar. This is why the date of Rosh Hashanah changes each year on the Gregorian calendar.

If you are sending a card or message, sending it before the holiday begins is a simple way to make sure your wishes arrive at the right time.

 

What Do You Say for Rosh Hashanah?

The traditional Rosh Hashanah greeting “Shanah Tovah” means “Good Year” and is one of the simplest ways to wish someone well for the Jewish New Year.

You may also see the longer greeting “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah”, meaning “A good and sweet year”.

If you are not familiar with Hebrew greetings, you do not need to overcomplicate your message. A respectful wish for a good year ahead can be perfectly appropriate.

For example:

“Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a peaceful and happy New Year.”

“Shanah Tovah U’Metukah. Wishing you a good and sweet year ahead.”

“Wishing you and your family a peaceful and happy Rosh Hashanah.”

 

Rosh Hashanah Messages for Friends

If you are sending a message to a Jewish friend, you can keep it warm and personal without making it too formal.

“Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a wonderful New Year filled with peace and happiness.”

“Wishing you and your family a peaceful Rosh Hashanah and a good year ahead.”

“Shanah Tovah! I hope the New Year brings you plenty of happiness and good moments.”

“Sending my best wishes to you and your family for Rosh Hashanah.”

“Wishing you a good and sweet New Year. Shanah Tovah!”

 

Rosh Hashanah Wishes for Family

A message to a family member can be a little more personal. You could mention the year ahead, family or your hopes for the months to come.

“Shanah Tovah to you and the whole family. Wishing you a peaceful and happy New Year.”

“Wishing our family a good and sweet year ahead. Shanah Tovah!”

“May the New Year bring you and the family peace, happiness and many good memories.”

“Sending lots of love and best wishes for a peaceful Rosh Hashanah.”

“Shanah Tovah! I hope the year ahead brings you many reasons to smile.”

 

Short Rosh Hashanah Messages for WhatsApp

Sometimes you only need a few words, especially when sending your wishes by WhatsApp or text.

“Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a good year ahead.”

“Happy Rosh Hashanah! Wishing you peace and happiness.”

“Shanah Tovah U’Metukah! Have a good and sweet year.”

“Wishing you a peaceful Rosh Hashanah.”

“Best wishes for the Jewish New Year.”

“Shanah Tovah to you and your family!”

 

What Can You Write in a Rosh Hashanah Card?

A Rosh Hashanah card gives you more room to write something personal than a short text message.

You could begin with a traditional greeting and then add your own wishes for the person and their family.

For example: “Shanah Tovah! Wishing you and your family a peaceful and happy New Year. I hope the year ahead brings you good health, happiness and many wonderful moments together.”

Or keep it shorter: “Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a good and sweet year filled with peace, happiness and time with the people you love.”

If you know the person well, adding a personal sentence can make the card feel less like a standard greeting. You might mention something you are looking forward to doing together or simply tell them that you are thinking of them during the holiday.

 

Rosh Hashanah Greetings for Colleagues

For a Jewish colleague, it is usually best to keep the message simple and respectful. 

“Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a peaceful and successful year ahead.”

“Wishing you and your family a good and sweet New Year.”

“Best wishes for Rosh Hashanah and the year ahead.”

“Shanah Tovah! I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday.”

“Wishing you a happy and peaceful Rosh Hashanah.”

 

How to Send Rosh Hashanah Wishes From Far Away

You do not have to be in the same place to mark the occasion with someone.

A WhatsApp message, phone call, email or digital card can be an easy way to send your wishes if you cannot visit in person. Adding a photograph or a short personal note can make the message feel more personal and less like a standard greeting. 

For someone you are close to, a simple “Shanah Tovah” followed by a few personal words can be enough.

 

Sending Rosh Hashanah Wishes With a Digital eCard

A digital eCard is another simple way to send Rosh Hashanah wishes, particularly when you are celebrating from a distance.

You can choose a design that feels appropriate for the occasion and add a personal message before sending it by email or another digital platform.

The message does not need to be long. A traditional greeting such as “Shanah Tovah” followed by your own words can make the card feel personal rather than simply copied.

 

Rosh Hashanah Greetings: What to Keep in Mind

If you are not Jewish yourself, it is completely understandable to be unsure about the right words to use.

You do not need to explain the holiday or use lots of religious language. A respectful greeting and a simple wish for a good year are enough. 

If you know the person well, you can make the message more personal by mentioning their family, something you are looking forward to or a simple wish for the year ahead.

The most important thing is that the greeting feels respectful and appropriate for the person receiving it.

 

Rosh Hashanah 2026 FAQs 

 

What is the traditional greeting for Rosh Hashanah?

“Shanah Tovah” is a common Rosh Hashanah greeting and means “Good Year”. “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah” is another traditional greeting meaning “A good and sweet year”.

When does Rosh Hashanah 2026 begin?

Rosh Hashanah 2026 begins at sunset on Friday, 11 September and ends at nightfall on Sunday, 13 September.

What does Shanah Tovah mean?

“Shanah Tovah” is Hebrew for “Good Year” and is commonly used as a Rosh Hashanah greeting.

Can I send a Rosh Hashanah message to a Jewish friend?

Yes. A respectful message wishing your friend and their family a good, peaceful or happy New Year is appropriate.

What should I write in a Rosh Hashanah card?

You could use “Shanah Tovah” or “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah” and add a personal wish for the year ahead.

Can I send a Rosh Hashanah eCard?

Yes. A digital eCard can be a simple way to send your Rosh Hashanah wishes, particularly if you cannot be with the recipient in person. You can add a personal message such as “Shanah Tovah” before sending it. 

Is Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year?

Yes. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and marks the beginning of the Jewish year.

What is the difference between Shanah Tovah and Shanah Tovah U’Metukah?

“Shanah Tovah” means “Good Year”, while “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah” means “A good and sweet year”.