Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah And Sukkot 2017: Everything You Need To Know

On Sept. 29 at sundown, Yom Kippur will begin a time of reflection and atonement on the Jewish calendar. The high holiday comes between two more Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot.

Whether you are celebrating it with friends for the first time or have celebrated before but want to learn more, here's a brief guide to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of a 10-day period of reflection and repentance followed by celebration (also known as the Days of Awe). This year it will be celebrated from sundown on Sept. 20 through nightfall on Sept 22.

Several symbolic foods are traditionally served during Rosh Hashanah, among them pomegranates. According to legend, pomegranates contain exactly 613 seeds, which correspond with the 613 commandments in the Torah and serve as a reminder of the commandments in the new year. Before being seated for the holiday meal, it is also tradition to dip apples and challah bread in honey to ask God for a sweet new year for you and your loved ones.

Rosh Hashanah is a time to set your intentions for the year ahead and to reflect on past grievances in preparation for Yom Kippur. During the holiday a ram's horn called a shofar is blown, reminding observers to look inward and repent for the past year's sins.

Related: Delicious Recipes For Rosh Hashanah

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, or the "Day of Atonement," is considered the most important holiday of the Jewish year and is typically more somber than Rosh Hashanah. This year it will begin at sunset on Sept. 29 and end at sunset on Sept. 30. During this time, it is Jewish custom to refrain from work, observe fasting and attend synagogue services. This holiday is a time to "afflict the soul" and atone for the sins committed in the past year by reflecting and making amends.

After a full day of fasting, praying and repenting, it is tradition to break fast with a feast of sorts. The end of Yom Kippur is also signaled by the sounding of a shofar.

Sukkot

Five days after Yom Kippur is Sukkot (starting Oct. 4 this year), an upbeat weeklong celebration. The word Sukkot means "booths" and refers to the 40-year period when the children of Israel wandered the desert and lived in temporary shelters.

Today, many Jews build their own sukkah (a hut-like structure) in their yards as they celebrate with family and friends, enjoying life's simple pleasures and putting luxury into perspective. Other traditions include binding together the Four Kinds, lighting candles and praying.

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