The greeting "Shana Tova" is traditionally said to wish someone a good Jewish New Year around the time of Rosh Hashanah. It is common to say "Shana Tova" or the fuller version "L’shana Tova u’metukah" (meaning "for a good and sweet year") starting shortly before Rosh Hashanah and on the holiday itself. People often use this greeting during the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and sometimes in the days following it. The greeting is used similarly to saying "Happy New Year" in secular contexts but is specific to the Jewish New Year.
Rosh Hashanah in 2025 begins the night of Monday, September 22, and ends the evening of Wednesday, September 24. Therefore, it is appropriate to start saying "Shana Tova" a little before these dates, often from about a month prior or at least as the holiday climbs near, and during the holiday itself.
In summary:
- "Shana Tova" means "Good Year" and is a common greeting around Rosh Hashanah.
- It is appropriate to use from shortly before Rosh Hashanah (sometimes starting a month in advance) through the holiday days.
- The greeting can be said in person, in emails, or correspondence related to the holiday period.
Thus, the best time to say "Shana Tova" is during the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, on the holiday itself, and shortly after until Yom Kippur sealing is complete.
