310. Happy New Year!: The obligation to rest on Rosh Hashana

The first day of the month of Tishrei is Rosh Hashana. This is the “Jewish New Year” even though it occurs in the seventh month. Tishrei is the seventh month because Jewish months are counted from the Exodus from Egypt, which occurred in Nisan. Nevertheless, when Rosh Hashana rolls around, the calendar turns, such as from the year 5779 to 5780. This is important for many reasons, not the least of which is for determining the new year for agricultural laws.

As with other holidays, we are to refrain from acts of creative labor except for necessary food preparations. As we have said before, the reason is to elevate the day and make it special. By rabbinic enactment, Rosh Hashana is observed for two days both in and out of Israel.

This mitzvah applies to both men and women in all times and places. It is discussed in the Talmud in the tractates of Beitza and Makkos (21b-22a). It is codified in the Shulchan Aruch in Orach Chaim 495. This mitzvah is #163 of the 248 positive mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos and #29 of the 77 positive mitzvos that can be observed today in the Chofetz Chaim’s Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar.