Rosh Hashanah Day 2 in Israel
Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year, and Israel observes it over two consecutive days. Day 2 falls on 2 Tishrei and is part of the country’s established Jewish days of rest, with holiday observances and widespread business closures.[1][2][3]
Meaning and legal status
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year. In Israel, the Hebrew calendar is an official calendar, and the Basic Law identifies the Sabbath and Jewish holidays as established days of rest. The government’s employment guide lists Rosh Hashanah among Israel’s legal holidays.[1][2]
The right to take religious holidays depends on a worker’s circumstances. The Basic Law also says that people who are not Jewish have the right to keep their days of rest and holidays. The employment guide describes a minimum of 36 consecutive hours of rest for religious holidays; workers should check the rules and arrangements that apply to their own jobs.[1][2]
How people observe the second day
Rosh Hashanah is a time of prayer and reflection on the past year. Jewish tradition associates it with the beginning of creation and divine judgment. The shofar is sounded during the holiday; when the first day falls on Shabbat, the Israeli tourism guide says it is sounded on the second day.[3][4]
Holiday meals may include apples dipped in honey, a wish for a sweet year, and pomegranate, associated with hopes for abundance. Tashlich, a custom of going to a body of water and symbolically casting away sins, is observed on the second day when the first day falls on Shabbat. Customs and foods vary among Jewish communities.[3]
Closures and getting around
Israel’s tourism guide advises visitors to expect businesses to close on both days of Rosh Hashanah. Plan ahead for shopping and other services, and check directly with a business for its holiday hours.[3]
Transport arrangements can differ by location. Tel Aviv’s visitor guide describes regular public transport as not operating on Shabbat and notes a separate weekend transport network; it does not give a Rosh Hashanah timetable. Check local services before travelling.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Rosh Hashanah Day 2 a public holiday in Israel?
When is the second day?
It is the second day of the two-day observance, on 2 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar.[3]
What is open on Rosh Hashanah Day 2?
The Israeli tourism guide says businesses close on both days. Check individual businesses and services for their hours.[3]
Does public transport run?
Check the local operator’s holiday timetable. Tel Aviv’s visitor guide describes Shabbat and weekend transport, but does not specify Rosh Hashanah service.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Rosh Hashanah (Day 2) in Israel:
- BASIC-LAW: ISRAEL - THE NATION STATE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE- The Knesset
- Employment- State of Israel
- Holidays In Israel - English- Ministry of Tourism, State of Israel
- REFLECTING ON THE PAST, ASPIRING TO THE FUTURE- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Israel
- Shabbat- Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality