On Rosh Hashanah, wishing you good health, happiness, peace and prosperity today and throughout the year.

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday, September 6, which is 1 Tishrei, which is the first day in the year of the world, or Anno Mundi, 5782. For Jews, this day commemorates the creation of the world. It also initiates ten “Days of Awe” during which they reflect and repent in preparation for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, that will begin at sundown on Wednesday, September 15 (10 Tishrei).

The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar. It uses years with either 12 or 13 months of variable length to keep aligned with the seasons and phases of the Moon. The New Moon occurs this month at 8:52 PM EDT on September 6. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar used for civil timekeeping in the United States is a purely solar calendar. It uses a single leap day every four years to maintain its seasonal alignment. Israel uses both the Jewish and Gregorian calendars.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the Arlington Public Schools will observe four additional religious holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, and Eid Al-Fitr. Diwali (November 4) is observed by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Eid Al-Fitr (May 3) is observed by Muslims. The Friends are pleased that APS is respecting the religious traditions of more faiths and working towards an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of belief. A good way for #APSBack2School