(This story has been updated to correct a spelling mistake/typo.)

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement and the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Here’s what you need to know about Rosh Hashanah.

When is Rosh Hashanah 2024?

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2. It ends at nightfall on Friday, October 4, according to Chabad.org.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah means ‘Head of the Year’, celebrated on the first two days of the Jewish new year. This year, Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year of 5785. The Jewish holiday celebrates the birthday of the universe and “the day God created Adam and Eve.”

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

Rosh Hashanah is often celebrated by hearing the sound of the shofar, made from a ram’s horn, and Jewish communities gather in synagogues for prayer services.

It is also celebrated by lighting candles every evening, festive holiday meals, and a special prayer of repentance said near bodies of water known as Tashlich. The traditional greeting ‘Have a good and sweet New Year’ is also used.

What traditional dishes are eaten during Rosh Hashanah?

Families celebrating Rosh Hashanah enjoy traditional holiday foods such as apples dipped in honey, round challahs and new fruit.

• Apples and honey are eaten together to represent a sweet New Year.

• People can also eat challah, a braided bread, in a round loaf to represent a cycle of the year.

• Pomegranate seeds also represent the 613 Mitzvot, or commandments, cited in the Torah, the Jewish holy book.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Rosh Hashanah begins today. Here’s what you need to know about the Jewish New Year