שָׁנָה טוֹבָה
Shanah Tovah
“Happy New Year”
Shanah Tovah (שָׁנָה טוֹבָה) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “happy new year,” pronounced “sha-NAH to-VAH.” The literal translation is “good year.” The standard greeting for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Often extended to 'Shanah Tovah U'metukah' — a good and sweet year.
| Hebrew | שָׁנָה טוֹבָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shanah Tovah |
| English Meaning | Happy New Year |
| Literal Translation | Good year |
| Pronunciation | sha-NAH to-VAH |
| Category | Celebrations & Holidays |
| Origin | Hebrew, connected to the Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year) observance described in Leviticus 23:24. The extended greeting 'Shanah Tovah U'metukah' reflects the Talmudic custom of eating sweet foods to symbolize hope for a sweet year. |
When the shofar's blast pierces the autumn air, millions of Jews worldwide greet each other with two simple words: Shanah Tovah — 'a good year.' This is the greeting of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which falls in September or October rather than January. The greeting is often extended to 'Shanah Tovah U'metukah' — 'a good and sweet year' — which explains the beloved tradition of dipping apple slices in honey. Sweetness, not just goodness, is the aspiration. The concept of a 'new year' in Judaism is not about champagne and confetti; it's about divine judgment, repentance, and the hope of being inscribed in the Book of Life for another year.
Where Does “Shanah Tovah” Come From?
Hebrew, connected to the Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year) observance described in Leviticus 23:24. The extended greeting 'Shanah Tovah U'metukah' reflects the Talmudic custom of eating sweet foods to symbolize hope for a sweet year.
When and How to Say “Shanah Tovah”
Used in the weeks surrounding Rosh Hashanah (typically September-October). The greeting period extends through Yom Kippur. You'll also hear 'L'shanah tovah tikateivu' — 'May you be inscribed for a good year' (referring to the Book of Life).
Cultural Context of Shanah Tovah
Rosh Hashanah cards are big business in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. The tradition of dipping apples in honey while saying 'Shanah Tovah U'metukah' is one of the most universally observed Jewish customs, even among secular Jews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Happy New Year” in Hebrew?
“Happy New Year” in Hebrew is Shanah Tovah (שָׁנָה טוֹבָה), pronounced “sha-NAH to-VAH.” The literal translation is “Good year.” The standard greeting for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Often extended to 'Shanah Tovah U'metukah' — a good and sweet year.
How do you pronounce Shanah Tovah?
Shanah Tovah is pronounced “sha-NAH to-VAH.” The literal meaning is “Good year.”
When is the Jewish New Year?
Rosh Hashanah falls on the 1st and 2nd of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date shifts each year because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar. Rosh Hashanah 2024 begins at sunset on October 2.
What does Shanah Tovah U'metukah mean?
Shanah Tovah U'metukah means 'A good and sweet year.' Shanah = year, Tovah = good, U'metukah = and sweet. The addition of 'sweet' reflects the tradition of eating apples dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing the hope that the coming year will be not just good, but sweet.
What is the Book of Life in Judaism?
According to Jewish tradition, on Rosh Hashanah God opens the Book of Life and inscribes each person's fate for the coming year. The inscription is sealed on Yom Kippur (ten days later). The greeting 'L'shanah tovah tikateivu' means 'May you be inscribed [in the Book of Life] for a good year.'
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