The celebration of the New Year is on high in Judaism in 2024 – Yes, you got it right. The Rosh Hashanah celebration starts from 2 Oct 2024 to 4 Oct 2024 in various places globally, especially in the region of Israel. If you are thinking of enjoying New Year’s Eve 2 days long, you must know what to wear for Rosh Hashanah.
This is the first 2 day holiday in Judaism that inherently follows this festival. The Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year, falls on the first and second day of the Hebrew month Tishri. It is sometimes celebrated in September and in October other times depending on the religious calendar Hebrew.
To celebrate the Rosh Hashanah, people gather together for the Jewish New Year. On this occasion, Jewish people greet each other with the word “L’shanah tovah” which means “a good new year”. The celebration goes long and ends with the Yom Kippur, celebrated in the 2nd week.
What to Wear for Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is not just a public holiday but a start of the Jewish New Year where people get together and also ask forgiveness from God for the past year’s mistakes and sins. For this big celebration, “What dress to wear in Rosh Hashanah” becomes an important question. Let’s find out the best outfit for the occasion –
White Dress
Rosh Hashanah is a representation of the beginning of the New Year, cleanliness, purity, and a fresh start. In this context, white dresses are the most suitable custom, and Jewish people also preferred it. Even though white color dresses are not mandatory, this is the best way to reflect gratitude towards the celebration.
In a white dress, you have multiple choices as male and female as mentioned below. However, don’t go with too fancy dresses that we style on other occasions. Keep in mind the piousness of this celebration.
Also read: Bridal Shower Outfits: What to wear to a bridal shower
Long-sleeved Dresses
When looking for what to wear for Rosh Hashanah, long-sleeve dresses are the best answer. These dresses are prayerful and reflect your seriousness towards religion and spiritual celebrations. Both for men and women, there are a wide variety of options when it comes to long and covered dresses.
For Women – Pleated chiffon, belted twill dresses, boho, floral maxi, ruffle wrap dresses, etc are a few options for women that can be worn for Rosh Hashanah.
For Men – Though men have a few options when dressing for an occasion, they can wear, long shirts, t-shirts, kittel (a Jewish robe), etc.
Depending on the region of celebration and community, you can style traditional dresses. If you are planning to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in your region, you must know what is prevalent in your area.
For example, generally, Jewish men style kippah, a fringed prayer garment called a tallit, and Kittel. On the other hand, women in the Jewish popular style Mizrachi dress, made of colorful fabric.
Traditional Dresses
Transitional dresses are dresses that can be styled throughout the transition of the season; from winter to spring. These types of dresses help in adaptation to changing weather and season. Again, long-sleeved dresses are the best example of transitional dresses as Rosh Hashanah falls in Oct which is fluctuating month in terms of weather.
Other options that you can prefer are layered dresses like tees, jerseys, light jackets, cargo trousers, etc. Maxi dresses, floral midi dresses, knit dresses, etc are the options available for transitional dresses.
Shoes to Wear for Rosh Hashanah
You can try any casual shoes or sandals but avoid wearing footwear that is made of leather. Rosh Hashanah is a pious celebration with sacred significance and leather shoes are assumed to be made up of animal skin as written by Carlo Wolff in CJN. However, a few believe that leather shoes with wooden bottoms can be styled in Rosh Hashanah.
We recommend making wise choices when selecting footwear for the celebration and avoiding that against the Jewish culture. Sandals, heels, casual shoes, slippers, etc are the options that you can try.
Conclusion
Rosh Hashanah is a two-day Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. On this occasion, people pray, ask forgiveness for their deeds and sins, and enjoy this holiday together while promoting fraternity. This article on what to wear for Rosh Hashanah helps you decide your dressings wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the colors for Rosh Hashanah?
The selection of color is a personal preference but the most loved color for Rosh Hashanah is white color. White color represents purity, spirituality, honesty, and a new beginning. You can style other colors too but go for white if available.
Can I wear red on Rosh Hashanah?
The red color symbolizes power, danger, judgment, anger, and death in the fierce analogy. Also, it is customary to avoid dressing red on Rosh Hashanah as it is a dignified celebration and the red color spreads the wrong perception.
What not to wear on Rosh Hashanah?
Avoid short dresses, miniskirts, body-exposing dresses, tight dresses, and other fancy dresses. Rosh Hashanah is indeed an occasion but avoid wearing non-religious dresses like these. Remember, it is not a fashion show or a festival where you can show your fashion sense. White, light, and full-sleeved dresses are recommended wearing.
What is forbidden during Rosh Hashanah?
On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, there are 2 days of nationwide holiday, and work, commercial traveling, writing, and commerce are prohibited. Some foods like nuts, sour or bitter foods, and unripe fruit should be avoided.
What are Rosh Hashanah Symbols?
Rosh Hashanah is a pious day of celebration and it symbolizes the beginning of the New Year. The different elements of the celebration are reflected in the symbols of Rosh Hashanah are shofar, apples and honey, round challah with raisins, and pomegranates.
