Chapter 129 – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)

129.1) In the kaddish (a hymn of praises to G-d) recited from Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) through Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) repeat the word leela (He be high).

129.2) Bow your head when you read Shemoneh esreh (eighteen; silent prayer) on Rosh Hashanah.

129.3) Exceptions exist for saying Shemoneh esreh from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur.

129.4) In the benediction Magen avot (He was the shield, etc.) say Hammeleh hakkadosh instead of Hael hakkadosh.

129.5) How to handle omissions is covered here.

129.6) Different people conclude Shemoneh esreh differently.

129.7) Communities have varying customs concerning how to conduct Rosh Hashanah on a Sabbath.

129.8) Exchange greetings on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, after the Maariv (Jewish prayer service held in evening or night) service by saying Leshanah tovah tikatev vetihatem (be Thou inscribed and sealed for a happy year).

129.9) Perform symbols as omens at the evening meal. (See source for details, or consult a rabbi.)

129.10) Abstain from cohabitation during the two nights of Rosh Hashanah.

129.11) Do not beat your breast when saying Avinu malkenu hatanu lefaneha (our Father, our King, we have sinned before Thee).

129.12) Recite the thirteen attributes when the Scrolls of the Law are taken from the Holy Ark.

129.13) Instructions for the sounding of the shofar are found here.

129.14) The congregation should not respond to the benedictions pronounced by the shofar, but should listen attentively and respond “amen.”

129.15) You should recite, Yehi ratzon (may it be Thy will) during the repetition of the Shemoneh esreh.

129.16) You should bow and prostrate yourself when the hazan (cantor of a synagogue) says Vaanahnu koreim (and we bow).

129.17) Follow the tradition of the congregation concerning the Tekiot during the conclusion of the prayers.

129.18) Perform any circumcision after the reading of the haftorah and before the sounding of the shofar.

129.19) You may pronounce the benedictions even after blowing the shofar in some circumstances. (See source for details, or consult a rabbi.)

129.20) Walk leisurely upon leaving the synagogue.

129.21) Go to a stream after the Minhah (prayers offered in the afternoon) service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah to commemorate Abraham on his way to sacrifice Isaac.

129.22) Avoid trivial conversation after returning to the synagogue, if it is not time to pray Maariv yet.

129.23) The two days of Rosh Hashanah are considered as one long day and are of equal holiness.