Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Rosh Hashanah (literally, "Head of the Year") refers to the celebration of the Jewish New Year. The holiday is observed on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually falls in September or October, and marks the beginning of a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance, which culminate on the fast day of Yom Kippur. These ten days are referred to as 'Yamim Noraim', 'The Days of Awe' or 'The High Holidays.'

While there are elements of joy and celebration, Rosh HaShanah is a deeply religious occasion. The customs and symbols of Rosh Hashanah reflect the holiday's dual emphasis, happiness and humility.

Special customs observed on Rosh HaShanah include; the sounding of the shofar, using round challah, eating apples and honey (and other sweet foods) for a sweet new year.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred of the Jewish holidays, the "Sabbath of Sabbaths."

Yom Kippur is a day of "NOT" doing. The is no blowing of the Shofar and Jews may not eat or drink, as fasting is the rule. It is believed that to fast on Yom Kippur is to emulate the angels in heaven, who do not eat, drink, or wash.

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Rosh Hashanah this year is Sunday evening October 2nd through Tuesday evening October 4th. Chabad of Puerto Vallarta invites you to come celebrate with us! Dinner and services will be held in the Agave Room of the Hilton Hotel, Ave. de Las Garzas 136, Zona Hotelera. For more information or to make your reservations, please visit chabadvallarta.com, or call Rabbi Shneur Hecht at +1 224-875-4478.

Yom Kippur will be celebrated on October 11-12, 2016 in the Creche room at Icon Vallarta, Av. Paseo de las Garzas 140, Playas de Vallarta. The schedule of services can also be found on chabadvallarta.com.