On Rosh Hashanah, the most common and appropriate greeting to say is "Shanah Tovah," which means "Good Year." This can be extended to "Shanah Tovah Umetukah," meaning "A good and sweet year," to convey wishes for joy and positivity in the new year. Other traditional greetings include "Ketivah Vachatimah Tovah," meaning "A good inscription and sealing [in the Book of Life]," reflecting the spiritual significance of Rosh Hashanah, and "L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu," meaning "May you be inscribed for a good year." For a simpler, more general greeting in English, saying "Happy Rosh Hashanah" or "Happy New Year" is perfectly acceptable and appreciated. Here are some examples of what to say:
- "Shanah Tovah Umetukah! May this New Year bring you countless blessings, sweet moments, and cherished memories."
- "Wishing you a joyous Rosh Hashanah and a good and sweet year ahead."
- "May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year filled with health, happiness, and peace."
- "Happy Rosh Hashanah! May the year ahead be sweet as honey and full of blessings."
These greetings are suitable whether you are speaking in Hebrew or English, and are warmly received by those observing the holiday.
