3 Common Misconceptions That People Often Have About Rosh Hashanah

Below are 3 common misconceptions that people often have about Rosh Hashanah, especially from a general or non-Messianic perspective:

1. “Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, like January 1st.”

Misconception:

Many people assume Rosh Hashanah is just a cultural or calendar New Year celebration, similar to how the secular world celebrates January 1st — with parties, resolutions, and festivities.

Truth:

Rosh Hashanah is much more than a "New Year’s Day." Biblically, it’s the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah), a sacred day of spiritual awakening, repentance, and renewal. It marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe, a season of deep introspection before Yom Kippur. In Messianic understanding, it’s also a prophetic picture pointing to the return of Messiah — the sounding of the shofar calls God’s people to awaken and prepare.

2. “Rosh Hashanah is all about apples, honey, and sweet food.”

Misconception:

Some believe Rosh Hashanah is simply a joyful harvest celebration centered around sweet treats for a “sweet new year.”

Truth:

While traditional foods like apples and honey are beautiful symbols of blessing and hope, Rosh Hashanah is primarily about repentance and reverence. It’s a day of blowing trumpets, a call to return to God (teshuvah), and to reflect on our lives in light of His Word and righteousness. The sweetness is symbolic — but the heart of the feast is spiritual, not just cultural.

3. “Rosh Hashanah isn’t for believers in Yeshua (Jesus).”

Misconception:

Some Christians believe that Rosh Hashanah and other Biblical feasts are only for the Jewish people, and not relevant for followers of Yeshua (Jesus).

Truth:

Rosh Hashanah has deep significance for all believers, especially those who follow the Messiah. Yeshua fulfilled the Spring Feasts at His first coming, and the Fall Feasts—including Rosh Hashanah—point prophetically to His return. For Messianic believers, Rosh Hashanah is a time to honor God's appointed times, seek personal renewal, and look forward to the day when the shofar will sound, and Messiah will return as King (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, Matthew 24:31).